More details have surfaced about the latest injury to Vancouver Canucks' Thatcher Demko
Some might call him the Sami Salo of Vancouver Canucks goaltenders.
Full of talent, but lacking in the availability department.
When healthy, Demko has proven that he’s in the upper echelon of NHL goaltenders.
The main issue? He hasn’t been available for most of the last 24 months.
After suffering a knee injury against the Winnipeg Jets back on March 9, 2024, Demko has played just 44 games for the Canucks.
Including playoffs, the Canucks have played 159 games during that time span, meaning Demko has hit the ice in just 27 per cent of all Canucks games since March 9, 2024.
Over that time span, Demko has suffered injuries to his knee and specifically, the popliteus muscle. He’s also been diagnosed with back and groin injuries as well.
Earlier this month, while the Canucks were on the road against the Montreal Canadiens, Adam Foote subtly said that it “might be possible” that Demko is done for the season.
On Wednesday, CHEK’s Rick Dhaliwal reported the same thing.
“It looks like they’re closing in on the underlying problem that’s caused his issues the last two-to-three years,” Dhaliwal reported.
“Shutting down for the season is still on the table,” he continued.
In terms of diagnosing his latest setback, Demko had reportedly been contacting health professionals outside of the Canucks organization.
“I believe he’s talked to multiple doctors outside of Vancouver, two to four [of them].”
While Dhaliwal didn’t confirm what exactly is ailing Demko this time around, he did say that it’s not the groin or the knee.
So, what is it then?
Demko has dealt with hip and back issues in the past, but his availability to the Canucks really cratered after the discovery of a popliteus injury following the 2024 playoff run.
At the time, we learned that Demko was the only NHL goaltender known to have this injury and that only a handful of athletes worldwide had suffered through a popliteus injury before.
Demko’s new three-year extension, worth $8.5 million per season, kicks in on July 1. That includes a full no-movement clause throughout the remainder of the contract.
Based on the fact that he hasn’t been healthy more than half a season since the early part of 2023-24, no sane team would take a risk trading for a talented yet injury-riddled goaltender. And after July 1, Demko will control the narrative on whether he wants to stay in Vancouver or not.
At least he’s previously said that he wants to be part of the solution, whatever that looks like.
Blueger returns, Räty sits
It’s now been over three months since the Canucks lost Filip Chytil, Jonathan Lekkerimäki, and Teddy Blueger to injuries during a road win against the Washington Capitals.
While Chytil is close and Lekkerimäki continues to produce in the AHL, Blueger will make his return to the Canucks lineup tonight.
With Blueger slotting into the lineup, Aatu Räty will sit as the odd man out.
Here’s how the Canucks lineup looked at the morning skate before their game against Washington.
Räty also an extra
— Brendan Batchelor (@BatchHockey) January 21, 2026
“He seems like he’s got the zip,” Foote said after the morning skate. “Even his demeanour this time compared to last time, I think there’s definitely no doubt he thinks he’s ready.
Blueger wasn’t supposed to be out for three months. In fact, he returned to practice in early November, and it appeared as though a return would soon follow.
Instead, he suffered a setback and ended up being out for three months as opposed to just a month.
“It’s nice to see him smiling out there,” Foote said. “To see his energy, too, the players can feel it in these practices.”
Foote also mentioned that Chytil is nearing a return.