"Guy is always injured and missed entire playoffs": NHL fans puzzled at Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko's ranking among Top 10 goalies

NHL Network has ranked the top 10 goalies in the league. Vancouver Canucks' Thatcher Demko is 6th on the list. The ranking was shared by NHL Network on X (formerly Twitter) with the message:

"There's a new on our Top 10 Goalies Right Now list! What are your thoughts on our list?"

Igor Shesterkin, Connor Hellebuyck, and Andrei Vasilevskiy took the top three spots. Jeremy Swayman and Ilya Sorokin were next, followed by Thatcher Demko. Sergei Bobrovsky, Jake Oettinger, Juuse Saros, and Linus Ullmark rounded out the top 10.

Fans quickly shared their thoughts on X, debating the rankings.

"How. The guy is always injured and missed the entire playoffs," one fan said.

"Yeah sure, give the loser the number 1 spot. Who comes up with this stuff??" another fan commented.

"I think Demko beats out Sorokin for that 5 spot. If Demko stays healthy next season he moves to top 3," a fan tweeted.

Take a look at some more reactions from NHL fans on X.

"Great list! I’d have Demko at #4 though. Oettinger and Saros over Bob probably," a fan said.

"Honestly, I would fully expect this. He really did have a great season but I also will say Ive been a fan of Swayman since he started as well! Very talented goalies all around though," one X user said.

"The stanley cup champ at 7? Wtf. Guy is top 3. Also Demko should be ahead of atleast Sorokin," a fan tweeted.

Canucks coach Rick Tocchet revealed plan to keep Thatcher Demko healthy for playoffs

On July 25, 2024, Canucks coach Rick Tocchet shared his plan to keep Thatcher Demko healthy for the playoffs. Last season, Demko's knee injury kept him out of Game 7 against Edmonton, leading to Vancouver's elimination.

Tocchet now plans to manage Demko's workload better. He will continue using a third goalie in practices to reduce Demko's physical strain. Tocchet will also monitor Demko's practice routines, travel, and schedule.

“Everybody wants to know a number, ‘How many games does he play? Is it 50? Is it 52? Is it 55? Is it 58?’ That’ll sort itself out," Tocchet said (via The Athletic). "It’s more than that, though. It’s the management of practices, his schedule, how we travel, and we’re going to keep doing deep dives into that.”

Thatcher Demko is dedicated to fitness and has received praise from both Tocchet and Canucks President Jim Rutherford for his work ethic. However, they both stress the need to manage his intensity to prevent injury. Rutherford pointed out that Demko tends to overwork himself, and a more balanced approach could keep him healthy for the playoffs.