Canucks Central The Open: Expectations for Demko Next Season
Jan 28, 2026
They unpack Thatcher Demko’s season-ending hip surgery and what it means for his value. They explore how Brock Boeser’s absence opens opportunities for young forwards like Jonathan Lekkerimäki and Linus Karlsson. They run through trade chatter, contract evaluations, injury updates and the team’s standings and playoff outlook.
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Current Form Drops Season Pace Sharply
- The Canucks are on pace for about 61.5 points overall but recent form (1-10-2 in January) drags that down.
- Bik Nizzar highlights the team's last-20 record and how current form projects to a much lower finish.
Set Realistic Points Targets
- To catch the Sharks' 57-point mark, Vancouver must win roughly 10 of their final 30 games and secure enough overtime points.
- Satyar Shah frames realistic targets: aim for 58–60 points to likely still finish last but preserve future options.
Demko's Trade Value Is On Hold
- Thatcher Demko's hip surgery ends his season and likely delays any trade market value recovery until next year.
- Bik Nizzar says teams won't take on three years at $8.5M without a fresh, healthy season of data.