Canucks News & Rumors: Demko, Lankinen, Silovs & More – Hockey Writers – Vancouver Canucks

In this edition of Vancouver Canucks News & Rumors, an update on the life of Thatcher Demko is provided. In addition, the Canucks continue to target goaltender Kevin Lankinen. Also, Arturs Silovs is dealing with injuries.

Demko Health Update

CHEK TV's Rick Dhaliwal reported that there are signs that Demko is making progress in his injury recovery. Dhaliwal reported that Demko will be back skating and practicing on September 3. Dhaliwal previously reported that the goaltender has struggled with his rehab, and his status for training camp and the preseason is questionable. Sportsnet's Ian MacIntyre said the Canucks are not setting pre-season dates for the 28-year-old but want him to continue to improve.

Demko first suffered a knee injury in March before returning in Game 1 of the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. He also injured his knee in Game 1 and missed the rest of the playoffs, but the Canucks expected him to return if the club reached the third round of the postseason.

The biggest concern for the Canucks was Demko's health. The netminder was nominated for the Vezina Trophy and had a good shot at winning the award before his injury. With Demko back on the ice and active, the Canucks should have their point guard sometime in October, at the very least.

Canucks Make Contract Offer To Lankinen

With Demko's knee repair being discussed, the Canucks reached out to Lankinen. Although there is good news about the club's striker, they are still determined to sign the unrestricted UFA netminder.

“The Canucks continue to pursue UFA goaltender Kevin Lankinen. The club has made Lankinen an offer, but it's not good enough for a deal to be done right now. But the pursuit of Lankinen continues, we'll see where that ends.”

Related: Canucks Depth Chart for 2024-25

The Canucks want insurance in case one of their top two goal scorers gets injured. Lankinen is eligible as he played four seasons in the NHL as a backup with the Chicago Blackhawks and Predators. He started 101 games with a 45-43-12 record, a 3.07 goals against average, a .905 save percentage and five shutouts.

The organization is also interested in NHL veteran Anti Raanta. He played 11 NHL seasons, starting 251 games and posting a record of 251-139-80. He also has a career GAA of 2.48, SV% of .915 and 20 shutouts. Whoever the Canucks sign, both forwards will provide the veteran insurance the club is looking for.

Silovs Knee Injury

Dhaliwal gave an update on Silovs. The goalkeeper was held out of the Olympic qualifiers in Latvia due to injury.

“Arturs Silovs is facing a swelling problem in his knee, although it was not expected to be a serious injury. Silovs left Latvia today and should be in Vancouver soon to be examined by Canucks doctors. “

Silovs had an impressive playoff run for the Canucks and established himself as the top backup option for Demko this season.

With the Silovs injury update, he and Teddy Blueger may be heading to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Latvia. The team secured their place by defeating France 5-2 in their final match of the 2024 Olympic Qualifiers.

Canucks Announce Training Camp Ticket Prices

Tickets for the Canucks' 2024 Training Camp go on sale September 4. Training camp runs from September 19 to September 22 at the South Okanagan Events Centre. The team will announce the lineup and more information about the camp in the next few days. The Canucks will also have the Young Stars Classic from September 13th to September 16th.

There will be several stories to follow in the team's training camp. The health of Demko and Silovs will be monitored to see where both goalkeepers are in order to recover. Also, young players like Jonathan Lekkerimaki, Tom Willander and defender Elias Pettersson are prospects to watch.