While most, if not all, Vancouver Canucks fans are hoping for the return of starting goaltender Thatcher Demko to the net of the team, they may need to keep waiting.
Despite early optimism, NHL insider Frank Seravalli shared some concerning news about Demko’s recovery, saying the 28-year-old goalie is “still a ways away” from rejoining the team.
On Wednesday’s episode of “Daily Faceoff LIVE,” Seravalli discussed Demko’s slow progress with Tyler Yaremchuk and revealed the Canucks’ cautious approach in allowing him to dictate the timeline for his return.
“We are probably still a ways away,” Seravalli said. “The easiest way to explain it is, the Canucks are leaving this into Thatcher Demko’s hands, to tell them when he’s comfortable to return.”
“He hasn’t been able to find that stability in the knee, with this popliteus muscle behind it, that has caused him some discomfort.”
The good news for the Canucks is the standout performance of Kevin Lankinen, who has posted a .941 save percentage and allowed just a 1.70 goals-against average since joining the team and appearing in four games.
With Lankinen’s strong play, the Canucks have been able to ease Demko’s recovery process without rushing his return.
“They’re not forced to bring [Demko] back or try to push this,” Seravalli said. “They can give him all the time that he needs.”
The Canucks have started the season posting a 3-1-2 record and earning 8 points through the first seven games of the year, sitting third in the NHL Pacific Division.
