Thatcher Demko Faces Season-Ending Hip Surgery with Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks announced that goalie Thatcher Demko will undergo hip surgery, sidelining him for the remainder of the 2025-26 NHL season. This news comes after Demko, aged 30, played only 20 games this season before suffering a series of injuries.
Demko’s Performance and Struggles
In his limited time on the ice, Demko recorded an 8-10-1 win-loss record. He had a 2.90 goals-against average, a .897 save percentage, and managed one shutout. His last appearance was on January 10, against the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he was forced to leave after allowing three goals on just six shots.
Demko’s injury troubles began earlier in the season, leading to a significant absence. He missed 12 games due to injuries from November 11 to December 11, 2025. General manager Patrick Allvin confirmed the decision to shut down Demko after consultations with team doctors and outside specialists.
Surgery and Future Outlook
Demko will undergo surgery in the coming week for an injury that is unrelated to previous issues that hampered his performance last season. Allvin stated that after rehabilitation, Demko is expected to be ready for the start of training camp in September.
Contract Details and Career Stats
- Demko signed a three-year contract worth $25.5 million with the Canucks in the offseason.
- His new contract will take effect next season.
- He was drafted 36th overall by the Canucks in 2014.
Since making his NHL debut on March 31, 2018, Demko has played 262 games for Vancouver. His career stats include a 2.81 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage. In the 2024-25 season, he was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, posting a record of 35-14-2 with five shutouts and a .918 save percentage.
Current Team Situation
As of the latest update, the Canucks are struggling in the league, holding the last position in the NHL with just 39 points over 52 games. The team will need to navigate the remainder of the season without their star netminder, hoping for a quick recovery and strong return for the next season.
