Vancouver Canucks’ Thatcher Demko to miss at least six weeks with lower-body injury

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko will be missing the next six weeks with a lower-body injury.

Demko suffered the injury late in the first period of Thursday night’s game against the Florida Panthers. As the Panthers scored three goals in less than a minute, Demko made an awkward stretch to stop Patric Hornqvist’s shot, and appeared to strain something in his lower body, requiring the Canucks training staff to help him off the ice. He stopped 15 of the 18 shots he faced through his 18:56 of ice time before he left the game, and was credited with the loss as the Canucks would fall 5-1 to the Panthers.

It’s been a nightmare season for Demko, and this injury only makes it worse for the goaltender. After a career year last season with a 33-22-7 record, a .915 save percentage, and 7.3 goals saved above expected, he’s struggled massively this season, going 3-10-2 with a .883 save percentage and a -11.35 goals saved above expected, the worst mark in the league.

Demko is currently in the second year of a five year contract with a $5 million cap hit, one he signed with the Canucks during the pandemic-shortened 2021 season. Selected in the second round of the 2014 draft, Demko has spent all six seasons of his career with Vancouver.

With this injury, it seems like Spencer Martin will get thrust into the starter’s role for the time being. He’s currently 6-2-1 this season with a .900 save percentage and 0.73 goals saved above expected. Colin Delia is currently on the roster for the Canucks and will likely serve as the backup in the meantime.

Demko joins a growing list of injuries for Vancouver, including Tanner Pearson, Jack Studnicka, Tucker Poolman, and Travis Dermott. It’s a big blow to the quality of the roster, but with the Canucks currently sitting at a 9-12-3 record, it might be a blessing in disguise if the team is looking to tank for the consensus 2023 first overall pick in Connor Bedard.