Thatcher Demko Provides Injury Update Ahead Of Canucks Six-Game Road Trip

One of the biggest storylines surrounding the Vancouver Canucks this season has been the health of goaltender Thatcher Demko. The 2024 Vezina finalist has yet to play a game in 2024-25 as he continues to make his way back from a popliteus injury. While he is not game-ready just yet, he is getting closer to returning to the Canucks lineup.

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Since this is a very uncommon injury, it has been very hard to predict a timeline for Demko's return. After skating on his own since Training Camp, he only recently joined the main group as a full participant, with arguably his most involvement coming during Wednesday's practice at UBC. After practice, Demko met with the media for the first time since Training Camp, going into detail about his injury recovery.

"Obviously been a long road, so it's nice to be back with the guys a little bit," said Demko. "Definitely a little more energy, a little pep in my step, coming back and being out with those guys. I mean, it's still a lot of work to do, I think, but I feel really good. It's the best I've felt, obviously, in 7-8 months. Finally have a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel and have a lot of direction in what we're trying to accomplish. We've gotten some huge progress and big jumps the last probably the last two, three, four weeks. We're moving in the right direction, for sure."

When it comes to Demko or really any player returning from an injury, one of the biggest concerns is whether they can stay healthy long-term. While his return will no doubt give Vancouver a massive boost, the Canucks need to ensure their starter is performing at his best come playoff time. This is a shot shared by Demko, who understands that even when he returns, there will still be work to do.

"I feel great right now. You know, I can't feel good and go back into game action and then have a setback two weeks into playing. I gotta put this thing through hell and know that I can sustain and withstand just the pressures of being in the NHL every day. Playing games, waking up, practicing, travelling, doing all this stuff. I need to make sure that I'm ready for the long haul and then do everything that I can to make sure that I am. I still have a little bit of work to do, but I think the last stretch of it is going to be just that capacity build and making sure that I can withhold the schedule of the NHL."

Demko also spoke about how different this rehab has been to others in his career. The 28-year-old has dealt with long-term injuries in the past, including last season when he missed significant time with a knee injury. As Demko explains, whether it's taking shots from coaches or being a full participant in practice, he is doing everything he can to climb the rehab ladder and get back into game shape.

"I mean, it's a whole different beast. That's the stages of rehab. You kind of work your way back into some goalie skates. I'm seeing pucks from the twins (Daniel & Henrik), and Sergei (Gonchar) was out there a little bit with me. Then, I come out here, and things are moving really quick compared to those guys, so it's another step up. I have to get acclimated at this level. Then, obviously, the game is a different beast. I know that it's not going to be perfect, my first or second game back. I have to be able to manage my expectations in that regard, but yeah, just do everything you can to make sure that transition is smooth."

While there is no guarantee that Demko will play, he is scheduled to join the Canucks on their upcoming six-game road trip. That in itself is a big positive, as Vancouver has multiple practice days planned during the road trip, meaning more time for Demko to work with the main group. In the end, Demko's impending return is a massive boost for the Canucks as they look to get back on track this season.