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NHL insider sets the record straight on Thatcher Demko's injury


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Daniel Lucente
November 10, 2025  (11:38)
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Vancouver Canucks' Thatcher Demko in his net during a game
Photo credit: Edit from The Hockey Writers

NHL insider Kevin Woodley set the record straight when appearing on the Halford & Brough show, saying that Thatcher Demko's injury is not serious.

The Canucks have been under intense scrutiny for their handling of starting goaltender Thatcher Demko's absence.
Demko has not dressed for any games following Monday's contest against the Nashville Predators. The team initially cited his situation as merely "maintenance."
However, it did not take long for this scenario to be called into question by Canucks fans when the team called goaltender Jiri Patera up from Abbotsford due to emergency circumstances.

When Jiri Patera's recall was labeled as an emergency, it added panic to the entire fan base

According to NHL CBA regulations, this is only possible if a team does not have sufficient healthy goalkeepers to dress because of injury or illness, but not for maintenance.
Making matters even more confusing is that Demko skated on his own on Friday morning but did not practice with his team, skipping both games on the weekend against Columbus and Colorado.
Given his past injuries, such as last season's setbacks, fans began questioning the team's honesty regarding Demko's situation.
However, NHL insider Kevin Woodley put everything into perspective when he appeared on Halford & Brough, where he made it clear that Demko's injury is not serious.
On Demko: "It's not serious."

- Kevin Woodley
According to Woodley, although Demko's recall was concerning, his injury is only minor.
However, dodgy communication by Canucks management concerning their emergency recall only created unnecessary worry for their fan base. Ultimately, Woodley's clarification will soothe restless nerves in Vancouver.
Although communication between the team and fans could have been improved, it seems Demko is dealing with only a short-term absence, which is excellent for a Canucks team that is anchored by their outstanding goaltender.
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NHL insider sets the record straight on Thatcher Demko's injury

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