Canucks: Thatcher Demko Misses Practice to Recover from Grind
The demanding start to the Vancouver Canucks’ season may be taking a toll on their goaltenders. To provide Thatcher Demko with additional rest, the team has called up Jiri Patera from AHL Abbotsford under emergency conditions.
Demko was absent from Friday’s practice at Rogers Arena, one day before the Canucks hosted the Columbus Blue Jackets. With back-to-back games scheduled against Columbus and the Colorado Avalanche, his absence raised questions about whether he would be ready to play.
Since Demko last played on Monday in Nashville and the team had Thursday off, his missed practice quickly heightened concern among fans and media.
“This was simply a player managing a heavy workload and needing some recovery time,”
said head coach Adam Foote after practice, emphasizing that Demko’s rest was precautionary given the team’s busy stretch.
Upcoming Schedule Challenges
- Saturday: Home game vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
- Sunday: Back-to-back game vs. Colorado Avalanche
The Canucks’ schedule remains one of the most challenging early-season stretches, testing depth and stamina across their roster.
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Author's summary: The Canucks rest Thatcher Demko amid a tough game stretch, calling up Jiri Patera to ensure goaltender depth and protect Demko’s long-term health.