Vancouver Canucks may 'poke around goalie market' due to Thatcher Demko's uncertain injury status, claims NHL insider

By Anjum Rajonno

Modified Aug 21, 2024 05:30 GMT

Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko sustained a knee injury during Game 1 of the Canucks' playoff series against the Nashville Predators. The player’s recovery status remains uncertain as of now, and amid the concerns regarding his availability, the club could be looking into possible netminder alternatives this offseason, according to CHEK TV’s Rick Dhaliwal.

During a recent appearance over call on Sportsnet 650's Halford and Brough, Dhaliwal discussed the situation surrounding the Vancouver Canucks' starting goalie. With training camp approaching and it being mid-August, there has been little public briefing about Demko's health.

Dhaliwal mentioned that while he has heard that Demko is making progress in his recovery, there is still no clear timeline for when the player will be fully healthy.

“That means for me, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Canucks continue to poke around the goalie market again,” Dhaliwal said. “The Canucks may need insurance, just in case, which is a good move on their part. This is the time of the season to talk to players’ agents about PTOs.”

Rick Dhaliwal added that Thatcher Demko is recovering from consecutive knee injuries, and the rehab process can be unpredictable. He said:

“Sometimes rehab is fast, and sometimes rehab is slow. Canucks, I’ve been told, have been worried about Demko’s rehab going back to the NHL draft. I think by that time, Demko had not skated since Game 7 against the Oilers.”

---

Vancouver Canucks’ have ‘radio silence’ on Thatcher Demko’s recovery

Due to the uncertainty surrounding Demko's recovery, Dhaliwal thinks the Canucks might be exploring options in the goalie market. He said that the team could include bringing in a goalie on a professional tryout as a precaution so that they are prepared for any unexpected developments in Demko's recovery.

Despite these concerns, Dhaliwal mentioned that he hasn't heard of any setbacks or particularly bad news regarding Demko's rehab.

“I asked if he had any medical procedures this summer, and I get absolutely radio silence on the other end,” Dhaliwal said. “But we have to understand; this is your starting goaltender who’s coming off two serious injuries. He needs time; he’s a big goaltender.”

There are still a few free agent netminders in the market, including Anti Raanta, Martin Jones and Alex Stalock. The insider mentioned that the team needs a good veteran backup like Casey DeSmith.

He reiterated that the team has been making calls and "poking around" the goalie market. While there isn’t a major concern just yet, there may be some unease about the pace of Demko's rehab within the club’s front office.