Canucks Notebook: Thatcher Demko on injured reserve, Nikita Tolopilo recalled from AHL

The Vancouver Canucks cautiously bet on Thatcher Demko maintaining form and function.

They gave their often-injured starting goaltender market value with a contract extension July 1 that carries US$8.5 million in annual average value starting next season on a three-year, $25.5 million commitment that also carries a no-movement clause.

The term spoke of considering past groin and knee ailments and hope of a more healthy future for the 30-year-old San Diego native. That’s a lot of hope. The Canucks could have let this season play out and then talk extension.

And because the present became another problem Saturday in Toronto, it’s easy to second guess extension timing.

Demko left the game after the first period with a lower-body injury after allowing three goals on six shots in a 5-0 loss. He is being further evaluated and was placed on injured reserve Sunday retroactive to Saturday.

It means backup Kevin Lankinen will start Monday in Montreal and Nikita Tolopilo, recalled on an emergency basis, could get the call Tuesday in Ottawa on a six-game road trip that winds up Thursday in Columbus.

Demko also missed a dozen games with a Nov. 11 groin strain that was another reminder of the position’s challenges. It requires stretching and straining for post-to-post movements to seal up the short side, tracking pucks, tips and deflections. And not getting caught up in crease-crashing traffic to invite injury.

Demko sounded resolute before returning to the net Dec. 11.

“I know there’s a narrative around the whole (injury) situation, but any guy can have a great summer and get hurt,” reasoned Demko. “I was sitting there and pretty much beating myself up for a week. You feel guilty, feel bummed out, and pissed off, and all those things.

“That’s part of the game. I can only control so much at the end of the day. I know I’m doing the right things preparation wise, education wise, and I have a great team that surrounds me and makes sure I’m ready to play. I feel it the most when things don’t turn out the way we want.”

Of course, it wasn’t supposed to be this way. Demko was in an early conversation to be in the Team USA goaltending triumvirate for the 2026 Winter Olympics next month in Italy.

“It’s not what I’m thinking about. I’m trying to be there for my teammates,” added Demko. “I’m certainly not trying to get back into the lineup to make the Olympic team.”

No, he just wants to be on this team for now and at least the next three years.

However, a season of setbacks also means the Canucks no longer have a possible trade option, if Demko had maintained a healthy season and they’re serious about a rebuild with a season gone south. His expiring contract at a $5 million cap hit doesn’t have trade protection.

It’s now a moot point, even though the pecking order between the pipes is deep and intriguing.

Lankinen, 30, is under contract for four more seasons at $4.5 million annually, and with Tolopilo, 25, Aku Koskenvuo, 22, Ty Young, 21, and Aleksei Medvedev, 18, in the fold, depth provides optimism and options of how the position could have played out.

But now we know. It’s Demko healing and dealing with the stresses and strains to get back to the net.

D-Petey to Abby, Mancini to NHL

Elias Pettersson is going to be a good and reliable NHL blue-liner.

His willingness to engage, throw big checks, block shots and defend is commendable for a 21-year-old Swede still finding his way in the game’s toughest position. In 38 games this season, he has six points (1-5), 64 hits that rank second among club blue-liners and 42 blocks rated fourth.

The 2022 third-round NHL Draft pick is also just fifth in give-aways (36) among team defenders and that speaks of potential to become more effective in all facets. Things happen fast in The Show and Pettersson will benefit from big minutes in the AHL.

It also means the recalled Victor Mancini is getting a chance to show what he learned in Abbotsford.

Mancini, 23, had a good NHL training camp and preseason, but was returned to the affiliate and played in the top pairing. He has six points (1-5) in 20 games and often uses his 6-foot-3, 229 pound frame to defend and dish hits. His shot also packs potential.

Mancini, who was acquired in the J.T. Miller multi-asset swap with the New York Rangers, parlayed 16 NHL games last season into an AHL Calder Cup crown on June 23. He had eight points (3-5) in 24 games and the unpredictability and pressure of the AHL post-season was of paramount importance to bring poise.

“Confidence is big for me,” Mancini told Postmedia. “It was just how meaningful those games were and you can’t take a game or a shift off. It helped me establish a base and re-establishing my confidence.

“I just want it to transfer to the next level.”

bkuzma@postmedia.com