After missing practice on Friday, it has been confirmed that Thatcher Demko will not play in the Vancouver Canucks' upcoming game on Saturday night. This is disappointing news for the team and its supporters.
Head coach Adam Foote addressed the situation following practice:
“We had a conversation with him to take care of himself, and know, in a condensed schedule, when he feels he needs a little bit of time off, that’s what he’s doing.”
Though Demko was on the ice Saturday morning, he will not be dressing for the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Kevin Lankinen is set to start in goal.
“Thatcher Demko skated this morning, but won’t dress. #Canucks @Sportsnet650” — Brendan Batchelor, November 8, 2025
Due to Demko's absence, the Canucks recalled Jiri Patera under emergency conditions on Friday. However, Patera was unavailable for practice as he had traveled with the Abbotsford Canucks for back-to-back games against the AHL’s Colorado Eagles.
This left the Canucks practicing with goalies Kevin Lankinen and Abbotsford mortgage broker Alex Kotai.
Thatcher Demko’s unexpected rest disrupts the Canucks' lineup, highlighting challenges with goalie availability amid a tight schedule.