NEWARK, N.J. – Thatcher Demko suggests his two injuries this season are connected to last summer`s major knee injury primarily in terms of preparation.
Dealing with a torn popliteus muscle in his knee throughout the off-season, an unusual injury for an NHL goalie, prevented Demko from proper training to prepare for the current season.
And it has been evident.
The Vezina Trophy finalist from last season participated fully in practice with the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday, marking his first full practice since suffering a lower-body injury on February 8. Including an undisclosed injury in early January that sidelined him for a week, Demko has played in only 17 games and missed 18 since his return on December 10 from the initial knee issue.
“It`s obviously been a challenging year,” Demko admitted after Sunday`s practice. “I won`t downplay it. I felt like I was improving before the Four Nations break. However, I began to experience the consequences of not having a proper summer training period. Due to my knee rehab, the solution wasn`t gradual. It was more like addressing it one day, and the next day I was expected to play. I lacked the gradual build-up of reps and strength that you typically gain during the summer.”
“We explored various approaches, hoping something would work. Eventually, we found a solution that seemed to click overnight, enabling me to attempt playing again. Consequently, I didn`t have a solid foundation for this season in terms of preparation, and I`ve been feeling its effects. But I`ve gained significant knowledge and learned valuable lessons, both physically and mentally, that I believe will benefit me throughout my career. I`m grateful for that, even though it`s been frustrating for sure.”
The series of setbacks for the Canucks this season, highlighted by recent injuries to Elias Pettersson and Nils Hoglander, started with Demko’s injury last summer and his initial absence at the season`s start.
“The knee situation was quite traumatic for my overall system,” Demko explained. “It was such a significant injury with a lot of uncertainty. I felt like I was rushing to get back on the ice. I currently feel good and strong. I`m also looking forward to having a full, uninterrupted summer at the end of the season to properly prepare without dealing with ongoing issues.”
As Demko prepares for his third injury return in just over three months, the Canucks are three points away from a playoff position with 12 games remaining.
Saturday`s defeat in Manhattan against the New York Rangers, despite outshooting them 39-12, felt like a blow to their playoff aspirations. The undisclosed injuries to Pettersson and Hoglander, forcing them to miss the third period, further dampened team morale.
Canucks coach Rick Tocchet mentioned on Sunday that the injured forwards were “quite sore” but didn`t rule them out for Monday`s game against the New Jersey Devils. Aatu Raty, a minor-league center, was on standby if needed.
Demko could also offer assistance. The 29-year-old, who was performing at his peak in the 10 days before his latest injury, is a potential candidate to at least serve as Kevin Lankinen’s backup on Monday. The Canucks have another practice scheduled for Tuesday on Long Island, raising the possibility of Demko starting the following night against the New York Islanders.
However, it might all be happening too late.
“It’s been a tough year personally, and for the team at times,” Demko reiterated. “(But) it`s about persevering. We’re only three points out of a playoff spot last I checked. I’m very proud of this team, and I hope when I return, I can contribute to their efforts and perform to the best of my abilities.”
“Being part of the team, holding a roster spot, and getting paid to play in crucial games means you want to contribute. It’s part of being a teammate. It`s tough to watch the team endure a loss and not be able to help. You want to be out there with them, win or lose, and face it together.”
Drafted in the second round in 2014, Demko has been with the Canucks organization the longest among current players, even though Brock Boeser reached the NHL earlier in 2017.
The goalie has played all 236 of his NHL games with the Canucks and has one year left on his five-year, $25-million contract signed with former general manager Jim Benning to succeed Jacob Markstrom as Vancouver`s starting goalie.
However, the goaltending situation shifted during Demko’s recent injury when Lankinen, whose strong play has been vital for the Canucks this season, was rewarded with a five-year, $22.5-million extension on February 21.
