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2h ago

Canucks Put Thatcher Demko on IR After Lower-Body Injury, Recall Nikita Tolopilo

Recurring lower-body issues now push Kevin Lankinen into the starting role on a struggling Canucks team.

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Jan 2, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko (35) in the net against the Seattle Kraken in the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Demko left after the first period of Saturday’s 5-0 loss in Toronto with a lower-body injury following three goals on six shots, and Kevin Lankinen finished the game.
  • Head coach Adam Foote said Demko will be re-evaluated over the next few days, with no definitive timeline for his return.
  • Vancouver placed Demko on injured reserve and recalled goalie Nikita Tolopilo from AHL Abbotsford under emergency conditions.
  • The Canucks also reassigned defenseman Elias Pettersson to Abbotsford and recalled Victor Mancini to the NHL roster.
  • Demko has already missed significant time this season after a November IR stint and is 8-10-1 with a 2.90 GAA and .895 save percentage for a team sitting 16-23-5.