Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko reacts during 2025 game.

The Vancouver Canucks got worrying news on their oft-injured starter as reports indicate a Thatcher Demko injury will keep him out for roughly two to three weeks. 

The setback arrived in his first game back after a brief maintenance break, when he exited following the first period against the Winnipeg Jets. Early indications say it is a lower-body issue unrelated to last season’s knee problem or last week’s rest. 

That is better than worst-case scenarios, but it still puts Vancouver in a tight spot at a crucial point in the schedule.

Thatcher Demko is expected to miss 2-3 weeks with a minor injury, per @frank_seravalli

It’s reportedly unrelated to Demko’s previous knee injury and also unrelated to why he took maintenance days last week. pic.twitter.com/pFG10aAMsE

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) November 12, 2025 Thatcher Demko injury timeline and what it means

Before leaving, Demko allowed three goals on eight shots, then gave way to Kevin Lankinen, who steadied things with a strong relief appearance. 

The projection has Demko missing five to ten games, which overlaps a demanding stretch on the road in Carolina, Tampa Bay, and Florida before showdowns with the Dallas Stars and Calgary Flames. 

Some (relatively) positive news for #Canucks on Thatcher Demko this morning. Early indication is that Demko is expected to miss 2-3 weeks with a minor injury.

It’s unrelated to his previous knee injury and unrelated to why Demko took maintenance days last week.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) November 12, 2025

Vancouver needs points to stay in the mix, and history shows teams in playoff position by American Thanksgiving usually remain there. Knowing that, turns this potentially short absence into a big test of depth. 

Canucks’ crease without Demko: Lankinen and next man up

Lankinen will shoulder starter duties while Jiri Patera backs up with Nikita Tolopilo still sidelined. Lankinen says he is ready to play every night and the recent run of starts has helped his rhythm. 

That confidence matters because the back-to-back set in Florida could force quick decisions in net. Even so, the Canucks’ ceiling still hinges on Demko’s availability. 

Thatcher Demko has left this game with what looks like a groin injury. He might have suffered it on this save.

🎥: Sportsnet | #Canucks pic.twitter.com/8i4uaEVQS8

— CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) November 12, 2025

He’s battled multiple injuries in recent years, and the franchise built this season’s hopes on two pillars: a healthy Demko and Elias Pettersson performing like an elite center. 

Until Demko returns, Vancouver’s margin for error shrinks. 

Photo Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn ImagesÂ