Canucks News and Rumors: Demko, Boeser, Lekkerimaki and more – Hockey Writers – Vancouver Canucks

In this edition of Vancouver Canucks News & Rumors, more details on Thatcher Demko's knee injury are provided. Also, Brock Boeser discusses the upcoming season and how he will deal with the blood clot that ended his 2023-24 season. In addition, the Canucks announced their roster for the 2024 Young Stars tournament.

Clarification on Demko's injury

Canucks starting goaltender Thatcher Demko is still recovering from a knee injury suffered last season. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said the Canucks aren't panicking, but understand he may not be ready for the start of the regular season.

Friedman added a few notes on Demko and things that might change for him. The Canucks realized that the goaltender is working too hard, and the organization doesn't want him to do drills every day and needs him to rest.

As for the Canucks, the club is not worried about the start of its season without Demko, and feels good enough without him. Friedman said Demko will have to learn to play through the injury and believes the injury is not too bad or too painful.

Boeser in the Future

Boeser put together a career year for the Canucks last season, scoring 40 goals and posting 73 points in 81 games. He finished the year running admirably but missed Game 7 against the Edmonton Oilers due to a blood clot. Boeser believes he has something to show for next season.

“Since I am coming out of a blood clot, I have a lot to prove to deal with this minor inconvenience. So I'm focused on having a good camp and like I did last year and trying to get a quick start to the season.”

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The forward added that he was on blood thinners during the offseason and had to avoid falling or making contact with himself when he skated. He is currently not working in cold blood, but he must be careful on flights and contact the team's health team. Still, Boeser is optimistic about next season and believes they can improve on last year. The forward is happy with the team's additions in the off-season.

“I think all the guys we've added are guys who will make a difference. Just skating with them, I think the thing that stands out is that they all compete hard, they all come out with their work boots on, and I think that's going to be huge for our team. I'm not saying the other guys don't, but it's just kind of our group going forward, and they're all good people. I can't wait to continue.

“It's a great vibe right now, I'm getting to meet the new guys and see everyone coming back, it's exciting, and I'm really excited.”

Canucks Announce 2024 All-Star Roster

The 2024 Young Stars tournament will take place from September 13 to 16 and will feature the Canucks, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets. On September 10, the Canucks announced their 25-man roster for the tournament.

Up front, big names like Arshdeep Bains, Jonathan Lekkerimaki, Aatu Raty and Danila Klimovich are players to watch. Bains had a short stint in the lineup, playing in eight games. He was second in points for the Abbotsford Canucks in the American Hockey League (AHL) with 55. He should get another chance to play in the lineup. Meanwhile, Lekkerimaki is the organization's top striker and is likely to start the season with Abbotsford. He could get a shot at the main roster during the regular season. Raty and Klimovich are both prospects the Canucks have had in Abbotsford for several seasons, and both hope to fight for a roster spot later in the month.

Meanwhile, defenseman Elias Pettersson is leading the way for the Canucks. He is one of the best players in the defense and will play for Abbotsford next season. He played eight games with the team. Other prospects, such as Kirill Kudryavtsev and Sawyer Mynio, are also involved and are players to watch. The team's best player, Tom Willander, will not participate as he is playing in the NCAA this season.