Insider Gets Specific on Thatcher Demko Return Timeline

The Vancouver Canucks have handled the extended Thatcher Demko absence quite well thanks to the last-minute signing of goaltender Kevin Lankinen before the season. He has backstopped the Canucks to a 7-0-2 record in his nine starts with a .923 save percentage and a 2.08 goals-against average.

But that doesn't mean that the Canucks don't miss Demko, and don't need him back.

Ever since his mysterious knee injury suffered in the first game of the playoffs last spring, it's been a big unknown as to when the Canucks' Vezina Trophy runner-up goalie would be back.

Now, insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff has dropped a very hopeful bit of news, reporting that Demko is on target to return before the end of this month.

"There's growing hope that Thatcher Demko will be back ... before the end of November." - Frank Seravalli

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"There’s a growing hope that Thatcher Demko will be back for the Vancouver Canucks before the end of November. That’s a big step forward," said Seravalli.

"You saw him join the boys for the optional morning skate in Los Angeles yesterday. Now, the goal will be to stack two weeks of solid practice on top of each other. Demko is feeling pretty good. He’s feeling confident, like he has turned the corner."

That would be great news, of course, for Vancouver, who have leaned heavily on Lankinen, who has never started more than 17 games in a season before, and is already at nine this year.

Current backup Arturs Silovs has been dreadful in his three starts, with a .797 save percentage (yes, you read that right), and a 5.00 goals-against average.

The Canucks have a 7-2-3 record overall, and are in 3rd place in the Pacific Division. The return of Demko could be coming just in time to keep them in striking distance of the top of the division.