Vancouver Canucks Update on Thatcher Demko's Availability
Thatcher Demko will not play in the Vancouver Canucks' upcoming game on Saturday night after missing practice on Friday. This was confirmed by Sportsnet 650's Brendan Batchelor, disappointing fans who hoped for his return.
Head coach Adam Foote addressed Demko's absence, saying:
“We had a conversation with him to take care of himself, and know, in a condensed schedule, when he feels he needs a little bit of time off, that’s what he’s doing.”
Demko had a promising start this season with a 5-4 record and a .911 save percentage. According to MoneyPuck, he ranks fifth in the NHL for goals saved above expected.
Although Demko skated Saturday morning, he will not be in the lineup against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Goalkeeper Kevin Lankinen will start the game.
Thatcher Demko skated this morning, but won’t dress. #Canucks @Sportsnet650 — Brendan Batchelor (@BatchHockey) November 8, 2025
Due to Demko's absence, the Canucks recalled Jiri Patera under emergency conditions on Friday. However, Patera was unavailable for practice as he traveled with the Abbotsford Canucks to face the Colorado Eagles in back-to-back AHL games. This left Lankinen and Abbotsford goalie Alex Kotai as the only goalies at practice.
Summary
Thatcher Demko remains sidelined to rest and recover during a tight schedule, while Kevin Lankinen will start, and the team adjusts with emergency roster moves.