Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko watches the puck after making a save during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, in Vancouver, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

By The Canadian Press

Thatcher Demko to miss Sunday start against visiting Avalanche

Nov 9, 2025 | 5:28 PM

VANCOUVER — Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko will not start Sunday’s NHL game against the visiting Colorado Avalanche.

Head coach Adam Foote confirmed on Sunday that Kevin Lankinen will start for Vancouver against the Avalanche.

Lankinen played Saturday in the Canucks 4-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets with Jiri Patera, a call-up from the AHL Abbotsford Canucks, serving as backup.

Demko missed practice Friday, but Foote said he skated Sunday morning.

“He felt good, he had a good day,” said Foote.

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Foote said Demko could play Tuesday when the Canucks end a four-game home stand against the Winnipeg Jets.

The 29-year-old Demko played in Vancouver’s 5-4 overtime win against Nashville on Monday, but not in a 5-4 loss to Chicago on Wednesday.

In nine games this year Demko has a 5-4-0 record, a 2.57 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage.

A knee injury limited Demko to just 23 games last season. He had a 10-8-3 record with one shutout. He had a 2.90 goals-against average and 889 save percentage.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 9, 2025.

Jim Morris, The Canadian Press