Rick Tocchet focuses on preparation amid Thatcher Demko’s injury recovery (Picture credit: Imagn)

Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet is focusing on preparation this season. He told Sportsnet that the team isn’t setting a return date for goalie Thatcher Demko, who is recovering from a knee injury.

Demko’s injury from the playoffs adds a challenge for the Canucks’ goaltending. Tocchet is hopeful about Demko’s recovery but hasn’t set a return date. This cautious approach helps manage expectations and prepare for setbacks.

“I’ve had a couple conversations, and he’s really excited about his progress. So that’s what I go by. I told him — and he knows it — we don’t have a target date. There’s no targeting. He’s getting better every day. I’ve noticed the last two or three weeks, he’s getting better every day, and that’s what we want,” Tocchet said (via sportsnet.com).

The Canucks are now exploring backup options due to the uncertainty surrounding Demko. They are considering veteran goalies Kevin Lankinen and Antti Raanta. However, the team has less than $200,000 in salary-cap space. They may need to find creative solutions or rely on less experienced goalies like Arturs Silovs and Jiri Patera.

Tocchet is also focused on reducing mistakes and improving performance. He knows the team must build on last season’s progress. This includes setting high standards for players, especially key figures like Elias Pettersson.

The Canucks are heading into training camp with Tocchet focusing on managing expectations and handling challenges.

Elliotte Friedman reveals Thatcher Demko’s knee injury could not be fixed with surgery

Elliotte Friedman revealed on “32 Thoughts: The Podcast” on Sept. 6 that Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko is facing a significant knee injury. This issue, located at the back of his knee, cannot be corrected through surgery.

“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 (via “32 Thoughts”).

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

Friedman added:

“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 two games before the playoffs… ‘ That forced Demko to rush to comeback. I’m not convinced he was ever 100%.”

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

Thatcher Demko has missed a lot of time over the past two seasons due to recurring injuries.