Thatcher Demko makes declaration ahead of Thursday's Canucks vs. Sabres game

Vancouver Canucks starting goaltender Thatcher Demko is set to return to the crease when the team hosts the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday.

Demko has declared himself ready to play after missing nearly a month with a lower-body injury sustained against the Winnipeg Jets on Nov. 11. The groin issue is unrelated to the knee problems that sidelined him for much of 2024.

His return is later than initially expected, but Demko's presence gives the Canucks a crucial boost. Before the injury, he posted a .903 save percentage and a 2.80 goals-against average in 10 starts.

Those numbers are even more impressive considering Vancouver allows the league's highest expected goals against per 60 minutes. Demko has saved 6.3 goals above expected, a stark contrast to the backup goaltender, Kevin Lankinen.

Vancouver enters Thursday with an 11-16-3 record and defensive struggles that have made a playoff push unlikely.

The team has also struggled offensively, averaging just 1.50 goals per game since the U.S. Thanksgiving. Having Demko back should stabilize the net and give the roster a chance to regroup.

Demko's early-season play also reinforced the value of the three-year, $8.5 million extension he signed this summer, which includes a full no-movement clause.

If he can return to that level consistently, he could even become a key asset in any future roster changes without creating a prohibitive cap hit.