Feb 6, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko (35) and defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) skate before the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

During Sunday’s practice, Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet provided updates on Quinn Hughes and Thatcher Demko. Hughes missed practice in what the coach described as a “maintenance day,” having “tweaked something else” last night. As for Demko, Tocchet said he “just started skating a few days ago.” 

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Hughes, who missed six games due to an injury before playing three against the L.A. Kings, Anaheim Ducks, and Seattle Kraken, missed practice on Sunday. He didn’t play the final 9:05 of Saturday night’s game. This is not the first injury spell Hughes has had this season, as back in December and January, he missed four games due to a hand injury that had him wearing a brace after he returned. 

“It was more cautionary, so kind of a maintenance day, but we’ll see how he is tomorrow, and go from there,” Tocchet said of Hughes sitting out of practice.   

Demko is dealing with his third injury-related absence of the season. Nearly a year ago to the date, he injured his knee against the Winnipeg Jets and sat out for almost six weeks. He made his return on April 21, in the Canucks’ first home playoff game in nine years, but ultimately couldn’t continue playing for the rest of the postseason. Demko made his season debut on December 10 against the St. Louis Blues. He played in five full games after that, but sustained an injury during his January 2 start against the Seattle Kraken, keeping him out of the lineup for another week. 

The Canucks goaltender’s current injury came on February 8, during the team’s last game before the 4 Nations Face-Off break. He left halfway through the first period, but appeared to have been testing out his leg during warmups. 

“I don’t know exactly when,” Tocchet said of when to expect Demko back. “At least he’s skating. 

“I think he’s [been] on the ice two or three times. Steps to skate. So I think they’ll ramp it up,” he added. 

Hughes has steadily led the Canucks in points this season, and currently does so with 14 goals and 46 assists in 50 games played. Demko, on the other hand, is sporting a 6–6–3 record that was uplifted by a string of impressive performances prior to his departure. Both players’ absences, if extended, will leave a noticeable mark on the team, especially during such a crucial time. While Vancouver is currently in a playoff spot, any win from any of the teams behind them could cause them to slide back below the bar. 

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