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Canucks Prez Jim Rutherford speaks out on load management for Thatcher Demko following injury-plagued season
Vancouver Canucks President Jim Rutherford spoke about the status of starting goaltender Thatcher Demko. During an appearance on the Bob McCown Podcast, Rutherford discussed the club’s plans for Demko:
“I think there need to be some adjustments in how he approaches his workouts.”
The words underscore Demko’s intense work ethic. However, that work ethic can be too intense at times. In this regard, Rutherford said:
“He is probably the hardest-working guy that I've ever seen. I mean, he's on the ice before the players come on the ice.”
Rutherford added:
“He's worked, he's probably put in enough work when he works directly with Ian Clark before the players come on the ice.”
Rutherford concluded:
“So maybe between Thatcher, Ian, and Rick Tocchet, looking at how much work he's putting in between games, might be able to help him. Because I just think he pushes himself too hard.”
The Canucks expect to have Thatcher Demko healthy for training camp this fall. However, the emergence of Arturs Silovs should make it easier for the Canucks to manage Demko’s workload this upcoming season.
Having Silovs allows the Canucks to rely on a solid goalie tandem. In today’s NHL, having two capable netminders is not a luxury. It is a necessity that has helped various clubs get through the gauntlet that is the regular season and playoffs on their way to a championship.
Load management and maintenance key for Thatcher Demko next season
The idea of cutting down on Thatcher Demko’s workload has become increasingly noticeable among Canucks fans and analysts. The Province discussed this possibility in a piece in which the focal point was keeping Demko healthy throughout the entire season.
In particular, The Province discussed how the unexpected rise of Arturs Silovs has become the solution Vancouver needs to keep Demko at full strength.
While the aim is not to transition into a platoon situation, having a capable backup in Silovs means coach Rick Tocchet can schedule as much recovery time for Demko as needed. Since Silovs isn’t just a backup, he can handle starts against tough opponents.
While Thatcher Demko doesn’t expect to change anything in the way he approaches the game, he expects to work with Ian Clark to fine-tune aspects of the way he trains and stays in shape. Specifically, the aim is to improve Demko’s maintenance regimen to ensure he’s 100% ready throughout the season.
The Canucks will be counting on Demko’s Vezina-caliber play as the club looks to repeat as Pacific Division champions. This time around, the team hopes to get past their archrivals, the Edmonton Oilers, on their way to a long playoff run.
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