Canucks Shut Down Goalie Demko for Season-Ending Surgery

Vancouver focuses on Demko's long-term health after hip injury ends his 2025-26 campaign.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:07pm

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The Vancouver Canucks have announced that goaltender Thatcher Demko will undergo hip surgery and miss the remainder of the 2025-26 NHL season. General Manager Patrik Allvin said Demko will be ready for the start of training camp in September 2026 after completing his rehabilitation.

Why it matters

Demko was a Vezina Trophy finalist just two seasons ago, so his long-term health is a priority for the struggling Canucks, who have lost 14 of their last 15 games and are not contending for the playoffs this year.

The details

Demko suffered the hip injury on January 10 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. In 20 games this season, he posted an .895 save percentage and 2.9 goals against average, including one shutout. Head Coach Adam Foote said the surgery will be a "clean-up" procedure to address the discomfort Demko has been dealing with.

  • Demko was injured on January 10, 2026 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
  • Demko will undergo surgery next week.
  • Demko is expected to be ready for the start of training camp in September 2026.

The players

Thatcher Demko

The Canucks' starting goaltender who finished second in Vezina Trophy voting two seasons ago.

Patrik Allvin

The general manager of the Vancouver Canucks.

Adam Foote

The head coach of the Vancouver Canucks.

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What they’re saying

“After consulting with our team doctors and outside specialists, Thatcher Demko will be shut down for the rest of the year. 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.”

— Patrik Allvin, General Manager, Vancouver Canucks (NHL.com)

“I think a clean-up, and I'm not going to get into the specifics because I don't know the medical terms, but a clean-up in that area will take him out of that discomfort and I think will put him back in a place where he can play more than the games he's been playing the last couple years as far as giving us more in the next years to come.”

— Adam Foote, Head Coach, Vancouver Canucks (NHL.com)

What’s next

The Canucks will focus on Demko's recovery and rehabilitation, with the goal of having him ready for the start of the 2026-27 NHL season.

The takeaway

This decision by the Canucks prioritizes Demko's long-term health over the team's short-term playoff aspirations in the 2025-26 season. While it's a setback for the struggling Canucks this year, ensuring Demko is fully healthy for the future is the prudent move for the franchise.