As the Vancouver Canucks gear up for the upcoming NHL season, concerns are mounting about the health of their starting goaltender, Thatcher Demko, and the team’s overall depth at the goaltending position.

Demko, who emerged as the Canucks’ top netminder last season, is coming off a strong performance in the playoffs but has a history of injuries that have raised red flags among fans and analysts. The 25-year-old missed time last season with a concussion and has dealt with various other ailments throughout his career. With goaltending being such a crucial position in hockey, any uncertainty surrounding Demko’s health is cause for concern for the Canucks.

Compounding these worries is the lack of proven depth behind Demko on the Canucks’ roster. While backup goalie Jaroslav Halak brings a wealth of experience to the table, he is 36 years old and has shown signs of decline in recent seasons. The Canucks also have young goaltenders Michael DiPietro and Arturs Silovs in their system, but neither has much NHL experience and may not be ready to step into a starting role if Demko were to go down with an injury.

The importance of having a reliable backup goaltender cannot be overstated in today’s NHL, where teams play a condensed schedule and injuries are a common occurrence. If Demko were to miss significant time, the Canucks could find themselves in a precarious position without a capable replacement.

To address these concerns, the Canucks may need to explore options on the trade market or in free agency to bolster their goaltending depth. Bringing in a veteran backup or acquiring a young goalie with potential could provide insurance in case Demko is sidelined.

Ultimately, the health of Thatcher Demko and the Canucks’ goaltending depth will be key factors in determining the team’s success this season. Addressing these concerns sooner rather than later could make all the difference in Vancouver’s quest for a playoff spot.