"Can't be fixed with surgery": Elliotte Friedman provides worrying update on Thatcher Demko's injury S-News

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman talks about Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko (image credit: IMAGN)

Elliotte Friedman shared concerning news about Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko. On Friday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast,” Friedman revealed that Demko’s injury, affecting the back of his knee, cannot be fixed with surgery. Instead, he will have to adapt to the ongoing issue.

“He’s going to have to learn to play with this. It’s not something that can be fixed with surgery. It’s something he’s going to have to learn to play through and he can play through to a high level,” Friedman said.

Elliotte on Demko's injury:

He's going to have to learn to play with this. It's not something that can be fixed with surgery. It's something he's going to have to learn to play through and he can play through to a high level.

(32 Thoughts)

— Taj (@taj1944) September 6, 2024

Demko has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons and has missed significant time in both campaigns. The injury raises concerns about his ability to be reliable for the Canucks during key games.

Friedman also claimed that the Canucks pressured Demko to play in two regular season games last year before the playoffs.

“I believe Canucks told Demko last year before the playoffs we need to know we can count on you in the post-season…You have to play 2 games before the playoffs…That forced Demko to rush to comeback. I’m not convinced he was ever 100%,” Friedman added.

Elliotte on Demko:

I believe Canucks told Demko last year before the playoffs we need to know we can count on you in the post-season…You have to play 2 games before the playoffs…That forced Demko to rush to comeback. I'm not convinced he was ever 100%.

(32 Thoughts)

— Taj (@taj1944) September 6, 2024

Demko re-injured his knee in the playoffs and extended his recovery time.

As the new season approaches, it’s uncertain if Demko will be ready for training camp and opening night. Friedman noted that the Canucks are not worried about him missing half of the season; however, the team is considering free agents like Kevin Lankinen and Antti Raanta for extra support.

The Canucks are also adjusting Thatcher Demko’s practice schedule to reduce his workload as they are closely monitoring his recovery.

Thatcher Demko returns to skating ahead of Canucks training camp

Vancouver Canucks fans previously received good news about goalie Thatcher Demko stepping foot on the ice again. Rick Dhaliwal of “Donnie and Dhali” gave updates via X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday that Demko has started skating and working out. His recovery has been slower than expected, but it is a positive sign ahead of training camp.

“… I am hearing that Thatcher Demko is back skating and working out on the ice this week; that’s a very good sign. Many thought Demko would not be ready for training camp and preseason.””His rehab this summer was a little bit slower than most wanted and expected, but Demko skating in the last few days has got to be a major boost to the Canucks and a sign of progress as well. So we’ll see how it goes with him at training camp, but he’s back on the ice,” Dhaliwal said.