In the world of hockey, uncertainty looms over the Vancouver Canucks as they await the status of their goaltenders, Thatcher Demko and Arturs Silovs, both recovering from knee injuries.
Recent reports suggest that Demko, who sustained an injury during the playoffs, may not be ready for training camp. On the other hand, Silovs, who missed out on representing Latvia in Olympic qualifying play due to injury, faces concerns about his availability for the upcoming NHL season.
Canucks president, Jim Rutherford, was tight-lipped about the situation when questioned by Postmedia’s Patrick Johnston. “Fair to say that we will wait until they get their training camp physicals,” Rutherford cryptically remarked.
Silovs, who had an impressive record with the Canucks last season, faces a setback with knee inflammation. Despite his absence, Latvia managed to qualify for the 2026 Olympics, showcasing Silovs’ importance to his national team.
The 23-year-old netminder’s performance in the playoffs, where he stepped up in the absence of Demko and Casey DeSmith, earned him a two-year contract extension in July. However, his recent injury raises concerns about his readiness for the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, Demko, a Vezina Trophy finalist last season, is also on the road to recovery after being sidelined by his own knee injury. With an outstanding record during the regular season, Demko’s absence would be a significant blow to the Canucks.
As the Canucks face the possibility of signing a replacement goaltender, Rutherford hopes to navigate the financial constraints of the salary cap. The pressure is on for the Canucks to find a solution that maintains the integrity of the team without compromising their finances.
