Thatcher Demko’s Availability For Training Camp Uncertain

It has been a rough couple of years on the health front for Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko.  He has managed to play in just 43 games over that stretch, meaning Vancouver hasn’t had their top netminder available too often.

A midseason hip injury revealed that surgery was needed with then-GM Patrik Allvin expressing optimism that doing the procedure then would allow him to be fully ready for training camp.  However, that may no longer be the case.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently noted on an NHL Network appearance (video link) that there is no firm timeline for Demko’s return.  Meanwhile, CHEK’s Rick Dhaliwal added on a recent Canucks Conversation appearance (video link) that while the netminder is working out and doing on-ice work, it’s unclear if he’ll be ready for the start of camp.

Given Demko’s recent injury history and Vancouver’s status as a team in the throes of a full-scale rebuild, there’s absolutely no need to rush him back.  Even if it drags out into the season, they can afford to wait until he’s fully cleared.

It also helps that the Canucks have a capable veteran who can handle a bigger workload early on in Kevin Lankinen.  The 31-year-old has made 92 starts over his two seasons with the Canucks, playing to a 3.12 GAA with a .889 SV%, numbers that are below average but still respectable given their circumstances.  Nikita Tolopilo saw 21 games last season and can hold down the fort as a short-term backup if Demko indeed needs more time before the regular season starts late next month.

Demko is heading into the first season of a new three-year, $25.5MM deal that already looks problematic before it even started.  Knowing the financial commitment they’ve made, the smart play is to be patient in the hopes of making this the last extended absence he has to contend with.  In an ideal world, Demko is ready to go when training camps get underway next month but at this point, his availability to do so certainly appears to be in some question.