The Vancouver Canucks are expecting Thatcher Demko to return to action any day now.
The injured goalie hasn’t played since Game 1 of last year’s first round but is now on the cusp of a return. The months-long convoluted injury saga is nearing its final chapter as the netminder heals from his knee ailment.
“My information is that they expect him to get a start on this road trip,” said TSN’s Darren Dreger on the Sekeres & Price podcast. “It’s probably going to be towards the end of the road trip, but that was information that I received as late as last night.”
The Canucks have five games remaining on this road trip after winning the first one 4-3 over the Ottawa Senators.
- Tuesday, November 26, at Boston Bruins
- Wednesday, November 27, at Columbus Blue Jackets
- Friday, November 29, at Buffalo Sabres
- Sunday, December 1, at Detroit Red Wings
- Tuesday, December 3, at Minnesota Wild
From Dreger’s reporting, it seems like the goalie could return for one of the last two contests. The games against the Sabres and Red Wings are matinees, which may be tough on Demko’s schedule, so the Wild contest may be ideal.
Demko is on the road trip with the team… @TSN_Sports @DarrenDreger tells @mattsekeres and @justBlakePrice what he is hearing about the #Canucks goalie.
Presented by @WallCentre | #WallCentre#Wall30 pic.twitter.com/WvX0OwlwKG
— Sekeres and Price (@sekeresandprice) November 25, 2024
The American goalie has made major strides in his recovery recently. He’s been fully participating in practice and even hustled during a bag skate last week, putting his knee to the test.
Demko was also a full participant in today’s practice at Boston University and looked good, per reports.
Demko moving as #Canucks end practice with a skate. pic.twitter.com/oA4Wb3l9zd
— Noah Strang (@noahstrang_) November 20, 2024
Demko spoke to reporters for the first time in months last week and gave an update on his return to game action.
“It’s a whole different beast,” said the goalie about playing in games compared to practicing. “That’s the stages of rehab… It’s another step up, and I have to get acclimated at this level, and then obviously, the game is a different beast.”