Vancouver Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson confirmed that goaltender Thatcher Demko will not be healthy to start the NHL regular season as he continues recovering from major hip surgery performed in February. To address the vacancy, the Canucks claimed goaltender Leevi Merilainen off waivers from the Ottawa Senators on Friday.
Demko Sidelined as Regular Season Looms
A Familiar Face Steps Into Vancouver
Merilainen, a 24-year-old native of Oulu, Finland, arrives in Vancouver to provide crucial depth while Demko remains sidelined.
Canucks centre Aatu Raty, a longtime peer of Merilainen who grew up and attended school with him in Finland, endorsed the acquisition following Friday’s practice at Rogers Arena. According to Raty, Merilainen brings a calm demeanor, strong athletic reach, and a reliable glove hand to his new club.
Sorting Through the Numbers
Last season in Ottawa, Merilainen struggled during a rookie campaign complicated by team injuries, appearing in 20 games and posting an .860 save percentage.
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However, the young netminder recorded a .925 save rate over 12 NHL appearances the previous year and maintained a .913 save percentage across three American Hockey League seasons after being selected in the third round of the 2020 NHL Draft.
Lankinen Takes the Reins in the Crease
With Merilainen joining the roster, the Canucks face a decision regarding their crease. Kevin Lankinen is scheduled to start the team’s final pre-season game Saturday against the Seattle Kraken and is slated to handle goaltending duties for Tuesday’s regular-season opener against the Edmonton Oilers in Edmonton. Lankinen stated Friday that his personal preparation remains unchanged regardless of Demko’s timeline for return.
Roster Crunch and Roster Decisions
The addition of Merilainen also impacts third-string goaltender Nikita Tolopilo. Tolopilo, an undrafted 26-year-old, posted a 6-11-2 record and an .881 save percentage across 21 appearances for Vancouver last season. General manager Ryan Johnson noted that managing a three-goaltender system is complicated for players and staff alike, signaling a preference against carrying a trio of netminders into the regular season. The team also evaluated journeyman Chris Driedger during training camp on a professional tryout agreement.
The Canucks reassigned 19-year-old centre Braeden Cootes to the Abbotsford Canucks of the AHL on Friday. The organization is expected to finalize its 23-player opening roster by Monday ahead of Tuesday’s puck drop in Edmonton.
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