The Vancouver Canucks have announced a roster change ahead of Friday’s game. Goaltender Thatcher Demko has been activated from injured reserve.
The 28-year-old goaltender has been out since recovering from a knee injury he sustained late last season. He began practicing with the team again three weeks ago. Now, Demko is ready to return to the lineup. Demko will serve as the Canucks backup goalie for Friday’s game against Columbus. However, he could start on Sunday.
“We have a practice tomorrow,” Canucks coach Rick Tocchet said Friday. “I’ll talk to ‘Demmer’ after practice and we’ll go from there. If it’s the next game or the next game after that, we’re not quite sure. I’m gonna talk to Demmer but I definitely want to get a good practice tomorrow then talk to Demmer about it.”
Demko Looks to Continue Success From Last Season
Demko was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goalie last season, finishing second to Connor Hellebuyck. He also set career highs in wins, shutouts, and save percentage. Furthermore, Demko accomplished this in just 51 games.
Demko will look to help the Canucks return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after they reached the second round last season. The Canucks have received strong goaltending from Kevin Lakinen. Lakinen has posted a 12-3-3 record to start the season. This includes winning a NHL-record ten-straight road games to start the season. If Lakinen can continue his success and Demko can return to form, the Canucks will have a two-headed monster between the pipes.
The Canucks have not won a Stanley Cup in franchise history, and have not appeared in the Final since 2011. However, a strong goaltending tandem could propel the Canucks right in the thick of things come playoff time. Demko’s return could be coming at the best time for the Canucks.