Canucks Shut Down Goalie Demko for Season

Thatcher Demko to undergo hip surgery, expected to return for next season

Jan. 27, 2026 at 4:55pm

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The Vancouver Canucks have announced that goaltender Thatcher Demko will miss the remainder of the 2026-27 NHL season after being diagnosed with a hip injury that will require surgery. Demko has not played since January 10 and has posted a .897 save percentage in 20 games this year.

Why it matters

The Canucks are already struggling this season with a 17-30-5 record, and the loss of their starting goaltender Demko is a major blow. The team will now have to rely on backup Kevin Lankinen to finish out the season, further complicating their playoff hopes.

The details

Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin stated that Demko will undergo surgery next week for an injury unrelated to the one that kept him out of action last season. Following rehab, Demko is expected to be ready for the start of training camp in September.

  • Demko has not played for the Canucks since January 10, 2026.
  • Demko will undergo surgery next week.

The players

Thatcher Demko

The Canucks' starting goaltender who will miss the remainder of the season due to a hip injury requiring surgery.

Patrik Allvin

The general manager of the Vancouver Canucks.

Kevin Lankinen

The Canucks' backup goaltender who will take over starting duties with Demko out.

Tyler Myers

A defenseman for 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

“It's always tough news. It's definitely not what he was hoping for this season, but given our position right now, I think it's a great time to take care of things and come in next year feeling good and that's a big reason why I say in a lot of ways, I'm just happy for him to have that opportunity.”

— Tyler Myers, Defenseman, Vancouver Canucks

What’s next

The Canucks will now rely on backup goaltender Kevin Lankinen to finish out the season, as they look to regroup and prepare for Demko's return next year.

The takeaway

The loss of starting goaltender Thatcher Demko is a major blow to the struggling Canucks, who will now have to navigate the remainder of the season without their top netminder. However, the team views this as an opportunity for Demko to fully recover and come back stronger next season.