Canucks Call Up Jiri Patera Amid Concerns About Demko
The Vancouver Canucks have recalled goaltender Jiri Patera from their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford under emergency conditions, sparking immediate concern among fans about Thatcher Demko’s health.
Reports from ChekTV’s Rick Dhaliwal and RinkWide’s Irfan Gaffar indicate that Kevin Lankinen is fine and that this move is part of planned maintenance for Demko rather than an injury issue. Head coach Adam Foote confirmed that the situation followed their preseason plan.
“We asked him this summer — we had a conversation with him — to take care of himself and know in a condensed schedule when he feels he needs a little bit of time off,” said Foote.
Essentially, this call-up is seen as precautionary, allowing Demko to manage his workload and stay healthy. However, emergency recalls are typically reserved for cases when a team genuinely lacks enough players at a position. Using one for maintenance purposes is uncommon.
Usually, when a player skips practice for maintenance, it signals a minor issue — bumps or strains — not serious enough to sideline them for a game but worthy of short rest. Throughout the season, such situations are routine in the NHL.
Author’s Summary
Vancouver’s emergency recall of Jiri Patera appears to be a preventive measure for Demko’s workload, though the move raises questions about the formality of emergency call-up conditions.