Oh no, not again! Vancouver Canucks fans are likely sighing as their star goaltender, Thatcher Demko, has been placed on Injured Reserve for the second time this season. General Manager Patrik Allvin made the announcement on Sunday, with the IR placement being retroactive to January 10th. This news comes after Demko was pulled from the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs due to a lower-body injury. He'd conceded three goals on just six shots in the first period of that game.
This season has been a struggle for the Canucks' number one. Demko currently holds an 8-10-1 record. His save percentage is at .897, and his goals-against average is 2.90.
But here's where it gets concerning: this isn't the first time Demko has been sidelined. He previously missed 12 games earlier in the season, from November 11th to December 11th. In fact, he's only played in 20 out of the team's 44 games this year. Sadly, recurring injuries have become a theme for Demko. He played in only 23 games during the 2024-25 season.
Now, let's rewind to happier times. In the 2023-24 season, when Demko was fully healthy, he was an All-Star and finished second in Vezina Trophy voting. During that stellar season, he posted an impressive .918 save percentage and a 2.45 GAA in 51 games.
The Canucks are clearly invested in Demko, having signed him to a three-year, $25.5 million extension this past summer, which will keep him with the team through the 2028-29 season.
Canucks head coach Adam Foote mentioned that Demko will be re-evaluated in the coming days.
What do you think? Is Demko's injury history a major concern for the Canucks' future? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
