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Canucks President Reveals Franchise Plans After Thatcher Demko News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jan 12, 2026 6:00 AM ET

The Vancouver Canucks are no longer avoiding the word fans usually fear most.

After a string of losses that dropped the Canucks to the bottom of the NHL standings, team president Jim Rutherford confirmed on Sunday the organization’s shift in direction, admitting Vancouver is in a "rebuild."

"Over the past few years, our staff has done a good job, and we have a number of good young players, whether they’re in our lineup now or close to getting in our lineup," Rutherford said. "And those players are going to get a chance to play. Based on the circumstances with this team, this is the year to do it. The fact of the matter is, we’re in a rebuild."

The public acknowledgement follows a series of roster moves that point to a transition period for the Canucks, one of them including franchise superstar and starting netminder Thatcher Demko.

"The draft is really important for us in the long term plan and the direction we're going here."

General Manager Patrik Allvin speaks in an exclusive interview with Chris Faber about the future of the team and importance of the draft at the #Canucks annual Scouting Meetings. pic.twitter.com/SDO1VjI6lt
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) January 11, 2026

Demko was placed on injured reserve for the second time this season on Sunday afternoon. The 30-year-old left early after allowing three goals on six shots against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday.

"We’ll see how long he’s out," head coach Adam Foote said postgame, confirming a lower-body injury.

Demko already missed extended time this season when he was first placed on IR back in mid-November. The goalie signed a three-year, $25.5 million extension last summer.

Demko's absence, combined with Vancouver’s 32nd place in the standings, has seemingly forced the organization to make a full pivot toward building a new core around their younger players.

Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko (35) and forward Kiefer Sherwood (44) celebrate at Rogers Arena.Bob Frid-Imagn Images

In a parallel move to Demko's IR placement, the Canucks reassigned 21-year-old defenseman Elias Pettersson to AHL Abbotsford on Sunday, and recalled blueliner Victor Mancini and goalie Nikita Tolopilo.

Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said the goal for the franchise right now is to ensure proper development of its younger players.

"Our young defensemen would go up and down to the minors and be able to play not under the same pressure you get at the NHL level," Allvin said.

The Canucks already traded two of their cornerstones of late in defenseman Quinn Hughes (this season) and J.T. Miller (last season).

"All options are open," Rutherford said about the possibility of more trades happening before the deadline. "And even more so now with where this team is."

Vancouver returns to action Monday night against the Montreal Canadiens, with puck drop set for 7:30 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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