Canucks News & Rumors: Hronek, Demko, Miller & More – Hockey Writers – Vancouver Canucks

In this edition of Vancouver Canucks News & Rumors, Filip Hronek is injured and could be out for a long time. Thatcher Demko is set to return and general manager (GM) Patrik Allvin comments on JT Miller's layoff.

Latest News & Highlights

Hronek is injured

The Canucks' blue line is in trouble, and the club will likely have to make a trade sooner rather than later. At the end of the game on Nov. 27 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Hronek took a hit that sent him to the boards and looked hurt. On November 28, Irfaan Gaffar announced that he is out for a while due to a physical injury.

The organization would eventually make a trade to improve their blue line before Hronek's injury, but with him out for some time, they will need help. Besides the Czech defender, the Canucks have Tyler Myers, Vincent Desharnais and Noah Juulsen on the right side of their blue, which is scary but not for the opposition.

The Canucks have shown interest in Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson, who plays lefty, but Carson Soucy has the ability to slide right. Alternatively, the club may be looking at players like Ivan Provorov, who can be recruited but not accepted. Provovrov can play on both sides of the ice as well.

Demko Can Return During Road Trips

Canucks GM Allvin said Demko is close to returning to the lineup. The GM said his and the goalkeeper's recovery in practice has been better than expected, and that a game-time decision is imminent.

Although Demko may return, Kevin Lankinen will still start for the team. The Canucks may split between two goaltenders as the season progresses and as Demko warms up. Lankinen has a 10-3-2 record this season and has helped the Canucks overcome the injuries the club has faced.

Related: Oilers, Canucks Both Show Interest in Penguins' Marcus Pettersson

“He plays very well,” said Tocchet. “He was good for us so he will continue to play for us.”

“He will not sit on the bench, I have peanuts if I sit him on the bench. He was very nice.”

Allvin to Miller

Last week, the Canucks announced that Miller would be out of the team for an undisclosed amount of time. Allvin commented on the quarterback's retirement on November 26.

“First and foremost, I'm very proud of JT for reaching out,” Allvin said. “I don't know if you said it, but I believe that when he comes back, he will be a better person, a better teammate and a better hockey player. And we really miss him; he is an influential hockey player. I think we have it and the league has all the support it needs to help him.”

Allvin's comments make Miller's situation clear, as he is not here to seek help for himself. The Canucks are 2-2 without a forward, and Tocchet commented on how important he is to the team.

“Listen, I miss the boy,” said Tocchet. “But it is clear that there are more important things than hockey. He's a big part of our team, and when a guy like that isn't there, you notice.”

Hughes Close on Franchise Record

Quinn Hughes will continue to break Canucks defensive records as his career with the club continues. He set the team's single-season scoring record by a blueliner in 2021-22 with 68 points and surpassed it twice by posting 76 in 2022-23 and 92 in 2023-24. Along with his 92 points in 2023-24, he became the first Canuck to win the Norris Trophy.

The captain is about to close another franchise record, most assisted by a defenseman. Alex Edler leads the franchise with 310, which he accomplished in 925 games with the team. Hughes currently has 308 assists in 386 games and is closing in on the assists record. Meanwhile, he is closing in on Edler's record of 409 points. Hughes has 356 points, and there are many chances that he will break the record this season.

Hughes has established himself as the greatest defenseman in franchise history in such a short time. His level of play shows how difficult it has been for the organization to find a top quality defender.