The Vancouver Canucks have announced that goaltender Thatcher Demko has been placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), with defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph also placed on injured reserve retroactive to March 2. In response, general manager Patrik Allvin confirmed the recall of Victor Mancini from the AHL’s Abbotsford team to fill the roster gap.
Details on Demko’s Injury and Expected Recovery
Thatcher Demko has not played since January 10 due to persistent hip problems that have sidelined the star goaltender for an extended period. According to Thomas Drance of The Athletic, the Canucks intend for Demko to remain on LTIR for the remainder of the season, pending approval from the league. This move will initially free up $3.82 million in salary cap space and could eventually provide up to $5 million in relief. Prior to the Olympic break, it was already confirmed that Demko would undergo season-ending hip surgery, ending his campaign after 20 games and eight wins.
Impact on Team Salary Cap and Future Considerations
With Demko’s LTIR placement, the Canucks gain valuable cap flexibility that may assist in managing upcoming roster moves, especially as they consider trading players with expiring contracts. Demko’s three-year, $8.5 million per season contract will begin next season, coinciding with the team’s anticipated rebuilding phase. This marks a significant shift from the hopeful outlook the organization had last summer.
Kevin Lankinen’s Role as the Temporary Starting Goalie
With Demko sidelined, Kevin Lankinen has assumed the primary goaltending responsibilities. The 30-year-old Finnish netminder recently signed an extension through the 2029-30 season worth $4.5 million annually. Lankinen has experience playing behind struggling teams, having debuted with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2020. His performance this season, including a .874 save percentage and a 3.69 goals-against average, marks a career low amid Vancouver’s position as the NHL’s last-place team.
Victor Mancini’s Call-Up and Prospects
Victor Mancini, recalled from Abbotsford, has spent just under a month in the AHL since last playing on January 27 against San Jose. In 10 NHL games this season, he has only recorded a fighting major penalty but has been more productive overseas, tallying 12 points in 34 AHL games. The 23-year-old forward will become a restricted free agent this summer and is expected to earn more opportunities with the Canucks moving forward.
Looking Ahead for Demko and Joseph
While the Canucks navigate roster changes, the priority remains Demko’s recovery as he is still just 30 years old and considered an elite goaltender when healthy. His return is not expected until the 2026-27 season at the earliest. Meanwhile, Joseph, who left a recent game with an undisclosed injury, is projected to return around March 12 in a matchup against Nashville. With his contract expiring this summer as a restricted free agent, Joseph will likely aim to demonstrate his value upon returning to the lineup.
General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that G Thatcher Demko has been placed on LTIR and D PO Joseph has been placed on IR (retroactive to Mar. 2).
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 3, 2026
General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that D Victor Mancini has been recalled from Abbotsford (AHL).
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 3, 2026
#Canucks announced Tuesday that Thatcher Demko is going on LTIR.
VAN will immediately get an additional ~$3.82 million in cap space, but the plan is for Demko to go on season-ending LTI once that's approved.
Vancouver will then get the full LTI relief of his $5 million cap hit.
— Thomas Drance (@ThomasDrance) March 3, 2026
