The Canucks announced Tuesday that the veteran goalie will undergo hip surgery and miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
Demko appeared in just 20 games for the Canucks this season, posting a record of 8-10-1 with a 2.90 goals-against average and .897 save percentage, plus one shutout.
The 30-year-old has not played since Jan. 10, exiting Vancouver’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs after allowing three goals on six shots in the first period.
He also missed 12 games due to injury from Nov. 11 to Dec. 11.
“After consulting with our team doctors and outside specialists, Thatcher Demko will be shut down for the rest of the year,” general manager Patrick Allvin said in a statement released by the team. “Thatcher will undergo surgery next week for an injury unrelated to the one that kept him out of action last season. Following his rehab, he will be ready for the start of training camp in September.”
Demko’s 2024-25 season was also injury-plagued, as he appeared in only 23 games. Following the shortened campaign, he signed a three-year, $25.5 million contract with Vancouver this past off-season. That new contract begins next season.
Drafted by the Canucks 36th overall in 2014, the six-foot-four netminder has appeared in 262 career games for the club, recording a 2.81 goals-against average and .909 save percentage since debuting with the team on March 31, 2018.
He was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, awarded annually to the league’s top netminder, in 2024 after going 35-14-2 with a .918 save percentage, a 2.45 goals-against average and five shutouts.
The Canucks, as of Tuesday, sit dead last in the NHL with 39 points in 52 games.
— with files from The Canadian Press
