Today we bring you the latest out of the Vancouver Canucks world. It is an injury update on star goaltender Thatcher Demko. However, given the lack of and nature of the details, Canuck fans might be starting to get nervous.
Woodley on Demko:
There has been a lot of talk in the goalie world that there has been a procedure but I can't confirm that.
Poking around I don't expect he will be ready for training camp but that doesn't mean he won't be ready for the regular season.
(Halford & Brough)
— Taj (@taj1944) August 21, 2024
Injury Update on Vancouver Canucks Goalies Thatcher Demko
Some of the details CHEK TV’s Rick Dhaliwal provided to Sportsnet 650’s crew shows that there isn’t much to report. That fact that there is no update on the injury to the star goaltender would understandably be enough to cause a stir in Vancouver.
The details that are relevant that were mentioned seem to follow a general trend. First of all, there has been no timetable on when Demko will return. This follows that the Canucks organization has been worried about Demko’s progression since about the time of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft in late June. The reason being, is that rehab is not going as well as planned. Furthermore, when you hear the term ‘radio silence’ when simply asked if he had surgery, red flags may pop up. Finally, the last concerning detail, is that the organization has been apparently ‘poking around’ the goaltender market. Not to jump to conclusions, but given all the working parts, it might be time to jump to conclusions.
Emphasizing the Importance of Demko to the Canucks
Thatcher Demko had a sensational 2023-24 campaign. So good in fact, it saw him finish second in voting for the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top goaltender. He had a fantastic 35-14-2 record, with a 2.45 GAA and a .918 SV%. Additionally, he had great analytics. According to moneypuck, he was second in the entire NHL in Goals Save Above Expected at 22.0 (behind only Connor Hellebuyck at 33.1).
As good as Demko was this past season, down the stretch drive, the problems began. In early March, Demko suffered a knee injury, which caused him to miss 14 games. He did come back for the final two regular season games as a tune up, but perhaps it was too quick. In only the Canucks second 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoff game, in round one against the Nashville Predators, again he went down with injury. The uncertainty at the time and throughout the process, has many starting to question when will Demko be back to form.
There’s Still Time, but What is the Possible Fix?
Now with the lack of results from digging around, is it time for concern on the Wet Coast? Big picture, the reports don’t think this is a long-term thing. Still, general manager Patrik Allvin wants to be prepared. Therefore, he wouldn’t be doing his due diligence if he wasn’t actively staying on top of the goaltender market. Even if it is just for a short-term fix.
There are no specific rumours out there from the major sources, but there are some comments on potential suitors. These are possible names, that for instance, could be explored as professional tryout options. Some unsigned, competent NHL goalies that are available include Martin Jones, Antti Raanta, and Alex Stalock. You may recall, the Canucks backup from last year, Casey DeSmith, has gone on to sign with the Dallas Stars over this offseason. Whatever transpires, it seems we can all agree, the sooner Canuck fans can get a tangible update on their superstar goalie’s injury, the sooner they will all rest easier. Maybe the Arturs Silovs story is about to hit a new chapter faster than previously anticipated.
Main photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
