Vancouver Canucks Star Goaltender Thatcher Demko Sidelined for Season with Hip Surgery
In a significant blow to their playoff aspirations, the Vancouver Canucks announced on Tuesday that starting goaltender Thatcher Demko will undergo hip surgery and miss the remainder of the current NHL season. The team confirmed that this latest procedure is unrelated to the injury that sidelined him during the previous campaign, offering a glimmer of hope for his return in time for training camp this fall.
Recurring Injury Woes Plague Demko's Career
This development marks the second consecutive year in which Demko has been limited to fewer than 25 games, raising serious concerns among fans and fantasy hockey managers alike. The San Diego native previously missed 12 games from November 11 to December 11 with a separate injury issue, and has appeared in just 20 of the team's 44 contests this season.
Demko's injury troubles began earlier this year when he sustained a lower-body injury during the Canucks' 5-0 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 10. He was pulled after the first period, having allowed three goals on just six shots. This latest setback follows a 2024-25 campaign where he appeared in only 23 games, highlighting a troubling pattern of recurring health problems.
Comprehensive Medical Evaluation Precedes Surgery Decision
According to team officials, Demko consulted multiple specialists worldwide to determine the exact nature of his injury and develop an appropriate rehabilitation plan. Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin stated on January 19 that the team was "getting further evaluated and getting some testing done" while "taking opinions from other resources around the world."
After thorough consultation with team doctors and external specialists, the decision was made to shut Demko down for the rest of the year. The goaltender will undergo surgery next week for what the team describes as "an injury unrelated to the one that kept him out of action last season."
Statistical Impact and Historical Context
Demko's absence creates a substantial void in the Canucks' lineup. This season, the netminder has compiled an 8-10-1 record with a .897 save percentage and 2.90 goals-against average. These numbers represent a significant decline from his last fully healthy season in 2023-24, when he earned All-Star honors and finished second in Vezina Trophy voting with a .918 save percentage and 2.45 GAA across 51 games.
The contrast between his peak performance and recent struggles underscores the impact of his persistent injury issues on both his individual statistics and the team's overall defensive stability.
Team Adjustments and Future Outlook
With Demko sidelined indefinitely, backup goaltender Kevin Lankinen is expected to assume primary duties for the Canucks moving forward. This transition presents both challenges and opportunities for the team as they navigate the remainder of their schedule without their established starter.
Despite the immediate setback, the organization remains optimistic about Demko's recovery timeline. Team officials have confirmed that following his rehabilitation, the goaltender "will be ready for the start of training camp in September," providing a clear target for his return to competitive action.
This injury situation continues a troubling trend for the Canucks' franchise goaltender, whose career has been increasingly hampered by physical ailments in recent seasons. As the team adjusts its strategy for the remainder of the year, all eyes will be on Demko's recovery process and his ability to return to the elite form that once made him one of the NHL's most promising netminders.
