The Vancouver Canucks could be a team that makes a serious run in the playoffs this year, but it may all depend on Thatcher Demko.
Demko missed most of the playoffs with an injury that was undisclosed at the time, but it was expected he would be able to return for next year. According to new reports from Rick Dhaliwal, Demko will be sidelined until at least one month, and there wasn’t optimism that could change.
Dhaliwal: I heard last week that Demko is probably not going to comeback until November…I don't think Demko is back anytime soon.@DonnieandDhali
— Taj (@taj1944) October 7, 2024
Their elite starting goalie has repeatedly had some concerning injuries in his career, but his latest is by far the worst. The injury is to the popliteus muscle in his knee, and according to insiders, it’s not something that can be treated – Demko will have to play through it for his whole career. He’s already had setbacks in his recovery, and this seems to be yet another one. At this point, it’s fair to question whether Demko can really make an impact for the Canucks if it’s not certain that he’ll be available in the biggest moments.
Elliotte on Demko's injury:
He's going to have to learn to play with this. It's not something that can be fixed with surgery. It's something he's going to have to learn to play through and he can play through to a high level.
(32 Thoughts)
— Taj (@taj1944) September 6, 2024
Even if he does return, there’s always the concern that this injury could affect him again. It seems that for quite a long time, Canucks fans will be holding their breaths with Demko’s status.
Thatcher Demko is now 28 years old, and after 219 career games has proven to be one of the top goaltenders on the NHL. He’s got a .911 saved percentage over his career, but has only started more than 35 games or more three times over 8 years. The Canucks have taken major steps forward under coach Rick Tocchet and took the Oilers to 7 games without their elite starter – if he gets healthy and is in the playoffs, the Canucks could be a dangerous team. Goaltending is the only position that can single-handedly win games in the playoffs.
The Canucks may be fine to get through the regular season with Arturs Silovs, but they’ll be longing for Thatcher Demko to actually play in the playoffs. With him in net, the entire complexion of their team changes. Without him, they’re simply okay.
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