In this edition of the Vancouver Canucks News & Rumors, an update on Thatcher Demko‘s injury. Addtionally, the Canucks are looking into adding another goalie. Also, the club traded Vasily Podkolzin to the Edmonton Oilers.
Demko Injury Recovery
CHEK TV’s Rick Dhaliwal said Demko isn’t 100% after suffering a knee injury during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Dhaliwal said Demko’s rehab isn’t as far as some in Vancouver want. However, he added that the goaltender hadn’t faced any setbacks during his recovery.
“Canucks, I’ve been told, have been worried about Demko’s rehab going back to the NHL Draft,” Dhaliwal said. “That’s when they started talks again with Casey DeSmith, is when they were kind of worried about Demko’s rehab. He hadn’t skated.”
Demko has suffered back-to-back knee injuries, with the first occurring in March 2023. The news on Demko’s slow recovery is somewhat confusing, considering the fact the goalie said he was close to returning after the Canucks were eliminated in Game 7 against the Edmonton Oilers. The Canucks could be cautious due to Demko’s injury history and allow the goaltender to take his time before returning to action.
Canucks Interested in Adding a Goalie
With the Demko news, the Canucks are looking into adding a veteran goaltender. Dhaliwal said the club is poking around the goalie market and potentially inviting someone to camp on a professional tryout.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if the Canucks continue to poke around the goalie market again, mostly just to protect themselves. The Canucks may need insurance, just in case.”
Related: Vancouver Canucks’ Best Trades with the New Jersey Devils
The Canucks were interested in re-signing DeSmith after becoming worried about Demko’s rehab. DeSmith signed with the Dallas Stars in free agency. The Canucks have Arturs Silovs, who played great in the playoffs for the organization. They also signed Jiri Patera, who has only played eight NHL games in his career. There are three goalies the Canucks can look into adding Martin Jones, Antti Raanta and Kevin Lankinen.
Podkozlin Trade
The Canucks traded their 2019 first-round pick in Podkolzin to the Edmonton Oilers for a 2025 fourth-round draft pick.
“We would like to thank Vasily for his time here with the Canucks,” general manager Patrik Allvin said. “Podz put in a lot of…
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