Vancouver Canucks Goaltender Deals With Yet Another Injury

Since the 2023-24 Stanley Cup Playoff run, where Demko missed all the games after Game 1 against Nashville, he has had a rough time with injuries. He missed 44 games in the 2024-25 season, and now he will miss more time again. The once runner-up for the Vezina Trophy has only been a shell of his former self. This season, he has posted pedestrian numbers with a 2.90 goals-against average and an .895 save percentage. With his 8-10-1 record, it is clear he has struggled just like his team has. In the offseason, Demko signed a three-year extension worth $8.5 million per season. Although he has shown flashes of brilliance, we have to wonder, will he be 100% ever again?

What Does This Mean For the Team?

The Canucks will play Montréal and Ottawa on a back-to-back on Monday and Tuesday. This likely means that Abbotsford Canucks netminder Nikita Tolopilo will need to be called up soon from the AHL. The Minsk, Belarus native has a 2-1-0 record, with a .911 save percentage with Vancouver this season. The undrafted goalie was signed by the Canucks on March 31, 2023. During his previous appearances, he has shown that he could be a viable NHL backup when called upon.

An already injury-riddled team faces more adversity once again. Now, more than ever, it should be clear the Canucks will lack the firepower to be a playoff team. As they currently sit in last place in the league once again, will management make some moves soon?