Vancouver Canucks face adversity in 2025-26 as Demko injury tests depth and O’Connor–DeBrusk–Raty line sparks offense

The Vancouver Canucks’ 2025-26 season has been defined by adversity, with injuries testing the depth of the roster at every turn. As the team navigates through a challenging stretch, two critical storylines have emerged that could shape their immediate future: Thatcher Demko’s latest injury setback and the budding chemistry between Drew O’Connor and Jake DeBrusk. These developments arrive at a pivotal moment for a Canucks squad sitting at 8-9-1 and fighting to stay within striking distance of the Pacific Division playoff picture.

Thatcher Demko’s injury timeline and the Vancouver Canucks’ goaltending concerns in 2025-26

The situation surrounding Thatcher Demko has gone from promising to precarious in the span of a single game. After returning to action against the Winnipeg Jets on November 11, Demko lasted just one period before exiting with what has been confirmed as a lower-body injury. According to reports from Frank Seravalli, the Canucks’ starting netminder is expected to miss two to three weeks with an apparent groin strain.

The injury occurred when Demko stretched across his crease to make a save on Jets forward Cole Perfetti late in the first period. He was visibly uncomfortable after the play, stretching between whistles, but managed to finish the period before being replaced by Kevin Lankinen for the second frame. Head coach Adam Foote confirmed after the game that it was a lower-body issue, and team officials clarified that this injury is completely unrelated to both the knee problems that plagued Demko throughout 2024-25 and the “maintenance” days he took earlier in November.

This development is particularly frustrating because Demko had been rediscovering his elite form. Through his first nine games, he posted a .911 save percentage and a 5-4-0 record, looking every bit the Vezina Trophy finalist who nearly backstopped the Canucks deep into the 2024 playoffs. His 6.3 goals saved above expected ranked 10th in the NHL, demonstrating that the 29-year-old was again capable of providing game-stealing performances.

The timing couldn’t be worse for Vancouver. The Canucks are already dealing with a lengthy injury list that includes Filip Chytil, Nils Hoglander, and Teddy Blueger, among others. Their defensive play has been inconsistent, allowing 30.2 shots against per game (26th in the league) and posting the second-worst expected goals against per 60 minutes in all situations at 3.77. Without Demko’s ability to bail out defensive breakdowns, the burden falls entirely on Kevin Lankinen, who has struggled to a .885 save percentage and 3.57 goals-against average across nine appearances.

The injury history adds another layer of concern for Canucks management and fans. Demko suffered a rare popliteus muscle injury in his knee during Game 1 of the 2024 playoffs against Nashville, an ailment that sidelined him for the first 24 games of last season. He then dealt with additional knee issues and back spasms that limited him to just 23 total appearances in 2024-25. The pattern of recurring injuries raises questions about his long-term durability, even though this latest setback appears to be an isolated groin strain rather than a continuation of previous problems.

Drew O’Connor and Jake DeBrusk line chemistry emerges as bright spot for Vancouver Canucks in 2025-26

Amid the injury concerns, the Canucks have discovered an unexpected source of offensive production. Drew O’Connor and Jake DeBrusk have ignited on a third line centered by prospect Aatu Raty, providing much-needed scoring punch for a team that ranks in the bottom third of the league in goals per game. This trio has been one of the few consistent bright spots during Vancouver’s turbulent start to the season.

O’Connor, acquired via trade and signed to a two-year extension last season, has elevated his game to new heights. The 26-year-old winger has collected five points in his last six games, including four goals, showcasing the size, speed, and net-front presence that made him an attractive target for general manager Patrik Allvin. His ability to win puck battles along the boards and create second-chance opportunities has been instrumental in generating offense when the Canucks’ top lines struggle.

DeBrusk, who led Vancouver with 27 goals last season, is showing signs of heating up after a relatively quiet start to 2025-26. The notoriously streaky winger has found the back of the net four times in his last five games, and his chemistry with O’Connor appears genuine rather than coincidental. According to Natural Stat Trick data, since head coach Adam Foote assembled this line, they’ve outchanced opponents 15-6 at five-on-five, including a 7-6 advantage in high-danger scoring chances and two high-danger goals for.

The development of Aatu Raty as the line’s center adds another intriguing dimension. The 22-year-old Finnish prospect, selected in the second round of the 2021 draft, has been given an opportunity to prove he belongs in the NHL. His playmaking ability and hockey IQ have complemented O’Connor’s power forward style and DeBrusk’s finishing touch, creating a balanced line that can contribute in multiple ways.

What makes this line combination particularly valuable is its ability to produce without relying on star players. With Elias Pettersson struggling to find his scoring touch despite excelling defensively, and Brock Boeser battling inconsistency, the Canucks need secondary scoring to remain competitive. O’Connor and DeBrusk have provided exactly that, taking pressure off the top line and giving opponents another dangerous trio to worry about.

The coaching staff has taken notice, gradually increasing this line’s ice time in critical situations. They’ve been deployed more frequently in offensive zone starts and have earned power-play opportunities. If they can maintain this production level, they could become a legitimate second scoring line rather than just a complementary third unit, which would dramatically improve Vancouver’s offensive depth.

Special teams struggles continue to plague the Vancouver Canucks in the 2025-26 season

While offensive chemistry has emerged in unexpected places, Vancouver’s special teams remain a significant concern. The penalty kill has been particularly problematic, plummeting to dead last in the NHL at an abysmal 66.7 percent efficiency rate. The Canucks have surrendered a league-high 20 power-play goals against, a stunning statistic that reflects both personnel issues and systematic breakdowns.

The struggles intensified during recent games against Colorado and Winnipeg, when the Canucks allowed four combined power-play goals. This defensive weakness has negated positive performances in other areas, as opponents now view Vancouver’s penalty kill as an opportunity to seize momentum rather than a challenge to overcome. Given how closely head coach Adam Foote was involved with the penalty kill during Rick Tocchet’s tenure, when Vancouver ranked third at 82.6 percent, the decline has been shocking.

Part of the problem stems from missing key personnel. Teddy Blueger, who was one of the team’s most reliable penalty killers and led the Canucks in shorthanded ice time last season, remains sidelined with injury. The departure of Pius Suter to St. Louis in free agency also hurt more than anticipated—Suter was arguably one of the NHL’s best penalty killers and formed an effective partnership with Blueger. Current assistant coach Kevin Dean, who oversees the penalty kill, hasn’t found the right formula with the available players.

The power play has shown more promise recently but remains inconsistent. After hitting rock bottom with an 0-for-3 performance against Columbus, including minimal danger during a five-minute major opportunity, the unit rebounded with improved showings against Colorado and Winnipeg. They generated 16 scoring chances against the Avalanche, with seven classified as high-danger, and converted once on two opportunities against the Jets. However, sustained excellence remains elusive.

This special teams disparity creates a dangerous dynamic for the Canucks. Every penalty they take feels like a potential goal against, putting enormous pressure on goaltenders and skaters alike. Conversely, their own power-play opportunities don’t carry the same sense of inevitability, making it difficult to capitalize when games are tight. Similar injury and performance challenges have tested this roster repeatedly, but special teams execution is entirely within the team’s control.

The path forward requires both tactical adjustments and improved individual execution. Whether that means simplifying the penalty kill structure, adjusting player assignments, or increasing practice time dedicated to special teams, something must change. With Demko sidelined and facing a difficult stretch of the schedule, the Canucks cannot afford to give away goals on the penalty kill while failing to capitalize on their own power-play chances.

Vancouver Canucks roster depth tested during critical stretch of the 2025-26 campaign

The Canucks’ injury situation has reached crisis levels, with eight players currently on the shelf. Beyond Demko, the casualties include center Filip Chytil, winger Nils Hoglander, defensive specialist Teddy Blueger, and AHL goaltender Nikita Tolopilo, who is also dealing with a groin injury. This depth crisis has forced Vancouver to rely heavily on rookies and recent call-ups, creating an environment where virtually everyone must exceed expectations for the team to remain competitive.

Kevin Lankinen will now shoulder the starting goaltending responsibilities for at least the next few weeks. The 29-year-old Finnish netminder hasn’t inspired confidence with his .885 save percentage and 3.57 goals-against average, though advanced metrics suggest he’s actually performed reasonably well given the defensive chaos in front of him. His 1.4 goals saved above expected indicates that while the raw numbers look poor, Lankinen has made saves when it mattered most.

The concern is sustainability. Lankinen cannot realistically start every game during Demko’s absence, which means Jiri Patera will likely see NHL action. Patera, who was recalled as a third goaltender, hasn’t started an NHL game since March 26, 2024, when he allowed five goals on 35 shots in a loss to Nashville. Thrust into meaningful games with a struggling defensive corps could be a recipe for disaster.

Up front, the Canucks have received contributions from unexpected sources. Arshdeep Bains, Max Sasson, and Linus Karlsson have formed a fourth line that provides energy and occasional offense. Lukas Reichel has shown flashes of the skill that made him a first-round pick, though consistency remains elusive. These young players are learning on the fly, which inevitably leads to mistakes but also creates opportunities for development.

The defensive corps has its own challenges. Quinn Hughes continues to perform at a superstar level, assisting on all three Canucks goals in the loss to Winnipeg and leading the team’s transition game. However, the shutdown pairing of Tyler Myers and Marcus Pettersson has struggled mightily, getting outchanced 77-48 (33-17 in high-danger opportunities) at five-on-five according to Natural Stat Trick. They’ve been bailed out by strong goaltending and fortunate finishing, but those trends rarely continue indefinitely.

Elias Pettersson has embraced his role as a defensive-minded center, leading all NHL forwards with 38 blocked shots and taking a league-high 386 faceoffs. While his two-way play deserves praise, the Canucks need their $11.6 million center to produce more than three goals through 18 games. His reluctance to shoot the puck has become a talking point, though he showed a more aggressive mentality against Colorado with four shots on goal before reverting to his passive tendencies against Winnipeg.

Looking ahead: challenges and opportunities for the Vancouver Canucks through the rest of 2025-26

The immediate future presents a daunting challenge. The Canucks embark on a three-game road trip through the Eastern Conference, facing competitive opponents at a time when their roster is most depleted. They’ll visit the Carolina Hurricanes, who sit second in the Metropolitan Division with an 11-5-0 record, followed by the Tampa Bay Lightning, who’ve won seven of their last ten games, and finally the back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.

These games will test whether the resilience Vancouver has shown can translate into actual wins. The Canucks have been competitive in most games, going toe-to-toe with contenders like Colorado despite trailing in talent. That fighting spirit has kept them within three points of a playoff spot, but moral victories don’t earn standings points. Without Demko providing elite goaltending, every defensive lapse and special teams failure will be magnified.

The O’Connor-DeBrusk-Raty line offers hope that offensive solutions can be found internally. If they continue producing at their current pace, and if DeBrusk’s hot streak extends beyond his typical boom-bust cycle, Vancouver could surprise opponents who underestimate their depth. Other players will need to step up as well—Brock Boeser must rediscover his scoring touch, Conor Garland needs to provide more consistent playmaking, and someone from the bottom six must emerge as a reliable contributor.

Defensively, improvements must come from systematic changes rather than individual heroics. The coaching staff needs to simplify defensive zone coverage, particularly on the penalty kill, and ensure that players understand their responsibilities. Filip Hronek has been solid alongside Quinn Hughes, but the other pairings need better chemistry and more consistent play. The return of Teddy Blueger would significantly improve the penalty kill, though there’s no firm timeline for his comeback.

The goaltending situation beyond the next few weeks remains uncertain. If Demko returns healthy and maintains his early-season form, the Canucks have a legitimate chance to compete for a playoff spot. However, if he suffers setbacks or his groin injury lingers, Vancouver may need to explore external options. Trade deadline acquisitions could bolster depth, but significant moves seem unlikely given the team’s salary cap constraints and reluctance to mortgage future assets.

What happens over the next three to four weeks will likely determine whether the Canucks remain playoff contenders or slip into draft lottery territory. Their resilience has been admirable, their young players have exceeded expectations, and bright spots like the O’Connor-DeBrusk chemistry provide optimism. Yet injuries, defensive struggles, and special teams failures create a precarious foundation. The margin for error is razor-thin, and every game carries heightened importance.

The Canucks have proven they won’t quit, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Now they must prove they can win consistently despite those circumstances. The combination of Demko’s return to health and continued development of their offensive chemistry will ultimately dictate whether Vancouver’s 2025-26 season becomes a story of perseverance rewarded or adversity overwhelming a depleted roster.