Canucks Provide Brief Update On Goaltender Thatcher Demko

As it stands, the Vancouver Canucks are only dealing with one major absence to their roster: goaltender Thatcher Demko. With Filip Chytil returning to Vancouver's lineup during their recent six-game road trip, and Marco Rossi not expected to be out long-term as he battles a sickness, the Canucks are left with only Demko's status raising questions. 

On Monday, Vancouver's first day of practice after returning from their east-coast swing, Demko was spotted watching the team's skate from the sidelines. 

Canucks Head Coach Manny Malhotra provided an update on the goaltender after practice. 

"It's a slow process for him, but he is getting better. Again, don't want to put a timeline on him, but the fact that he is improving daily is a positive. But we've said from day one, we're not in a situation where we're rushing." 

Malhotra also mentioned that Demko has been taking part in skates on his own, though he "took a couple days off the ice" this past week. 

Demko underwent hip surgery towards the end of January in 2026, taking him out of the remainder of the 2025-26 season. He resumed skating in Vancouver during the off-season, also joining the team's early solo skates during their training camp in Penticton, but has started the 2026-27 season on IR.  

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