Thatcher Demko day-to-day
Goaltender Jiri Patera has been recalled under emergency conditions as the Canucks face back-to-back games this weekend. The team lists Thatcher Demko as day-to-day, a situation fans may need to get used to in the near future.
Demko sustained a torn popliteus muscle during Game 1 of Vancouver’s opening playoff round in the 2023–2024 season. The rare injury limited him to just 23 games last season, marking the toughest stretch of his otherwise steady career.
A torn popliteus muscle is extremely rare, tough to recover from, and may continue to affect him throughout his career.
The recovery process depends heavily on severity and proper management. So far, Demko has played a key role in keeping the Canucks competitive despite multiple team injuries. He has earned five wins in nine starts this season.
To manage the injury, he will likely take scheduled maintenance breaks from practices or games to lower the chances of aggravation. Demko has started 9 of Vancouver’s 15 games this year, putting him on pace for about 49 starts. He currently holds a .912 save percentage—close to his career .910 mark—and a 7.6 Goals Saved Above Expected, ranking him fifth in the NHL this season.
Author’s Summary
Thatcher Demko continues to perform strongly despite a rare leg injury, balancing recovery with reliable goaltending that keeps Vancouver competitive.