Demko will undergo hip surgery that will keep him out of play past the end of the 2025-26 season.
Thatcher Demko will not play for the remainder of the 2025–26 season, the Vancouver Canucks announced today, as he will undergo hip surgery. The goaltender has missed two separate stints due to injury this season.
“After consulting with our team doctors and outside specialists, Thatcher Demko will be shut down for the rest of the year,” Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin said in a press release. “Thatcher will undergo surgery next week for an injury unrelated to the one that kept him out of action last season. Following his rehab, he will be ready for the start of training camp in September."
Demko’s injury history has been one of the most documented of those currently on the Canucks’ roster. As mentioned, he has missed two separate occasions this season due to injury, resulting in him only playing in 20 games. Last year, Demko also started in only 23 games due to dealing with injuries on three separate occasions.
Demko officially concludes this season with a record of 8–10–1. He registers a GAA of 2.90 and a SV% of .897%. His lone shutout of the year came against the New York Rangers during his best three-game stretch of hockey, in which he surrendered only two goals on a total of 73 shots faced.
With Demko officially ruled out for the remainder of the season, all eyes will turn to Kevin Lankinen as Vancouver’s starting goaltender. It’s likely that one of Nikita Tolopilo and Jiří Patera will join him as the team’s backup, potentially switching on-and-off while also spending time with the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL.
Jan 3, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko (35) skates in warm up prior to a game against the Boston Bruins at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn ImagesMake sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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