Thatcher Demko’s Health Remains a Puzzle as Canucks Eye Long-Term Outlook
When Thatcher Demko is on the ice, there’s no question-he’s one of the NHL’s premier goaltenders. The problem is, he just hasn’t been on the ice enough.
Since suffering a knee injury against the Winnipeg Jets back on March 9, 2024, Demko has suited up for just 44 of the Vancouver Canucks’ 159 games, including playoffs. That’s just 27 percent of the team’s total games over nearly two full years. And for a franchise that’s been building around his elite-level talent in net, that’s a tough pill to swallow.
The injuries have piled up-knee, back, groin, and most notably, the popliteus muscle, a rare and complex issue that surfaced after the 2024 playoff run. At the time, it was reported that Demko was the only NHL goalie known to suffer from this particular injury, and only a handful of athletes worldwide had experienced it. That kind of uniqueness doesn’t exactly come with a clear treatment plan or recovery timeline.
Now, in 2026, the health mystery continues. Earlier this month, during a road trip to Montreal, assistant coach Adam Foote hinted that it might be possible Demko is done for the season. That idea gained traction this week when CHEK’s Rick Dhaliwal reported that shutting Demko down remains very much on the table.
“It looks like they’re closing in on the underlying problem that’s caused his issues the last two-to-three years,” Dhaliwal said. While he didn’t confirm the exact nature of the current issue, he did note that it’s not the groin or knee this time around. That leaves fans and analysts alike wondering if the hip or back-both previously problematic areas-are again at play.
In search of answers, Demko has reportedly sought out multiple medical opinions outside the Canucks organization, speaking to between two and four specialists. That kind of outreach suggests the team and player are still in the diagnostic phase, which doesn’t bode well for a quick return.
And yet, the timing couldn’t be more complicated. Demko’s new three-year contract extension, which carries an $8.5 million cap hit and a full no-movement clause, kicks in on July 1.
That means any trade speculation-however unlikely given his health history-becomes moot unless Demko himself wants out. So far, there’s been no indication of that.
In fact, he’s previously stated his desire to be part of the solution in Vancouver.
But with his availability in question and the Canucks trying to build something sustainable, the front office will have to weigh his long-term health against the team’s immediate needs. Demko’s talent is undeniable. His reliability, however, is still very much up in the air.
Blueger Returns to Lineup, Räty the Odd Man Out
On a more positive note, the Canucks are getting some reinforcements back in the lineup. Teddy Blueger will return tonight, marking the end of a frustrating three-month injury layoff that began during a road win over the Washington Capitals-a game that also saw Filip Chytil and Jonathan Lekkerimäki go down.
Blueger was originally expected to miss about a month. He even returned to practice in early November, which seemed to signal a return was imminent. But a setback extended his absence, and now, finally, he’s ready to go.
“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.”
With Blueger back in, Aatu Räty will sit as the extra forward. The Canucks’ morning skate lineup reflected that change, with Räty skating as the odd man out.
“It’s nice to see him smiling out there,” Foote added. “To see his energy, too-the players can feel it in these practices.”
As for Chytil, he’s getting close to a return as well. Lekkerimäki, meanwhile, continues to produce in the AHL, giving the Canucks some depth options as the season progresses.
So while the Demko situation remains murky, there are signs of life elsewhere on the roster. And for a team trying to stay competitive in a tight playoff race, every healthy body matters.