Report: Thatcher Demko suffered a setback at Canucks practice on Thursday

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko suffered a setback at practice on Thursday, according to a report from The Fourth Period’s Irfaan Gaffar.

Demko was hoping to be able to serve as the backup for the Canucks’ Saturday night game against the Philadelphia Flyers, but that may be in jeopardy now.

Demko exited practice early, but Rick Tocchet seemed to downplay the situation when asked about it.

“I didn’t see him go off, but I know he had 30 minutes before,” said Tocchet. “He’d done about 45 minutes of practice, so you’ve got to remember he was out there 30 minutes before. You don’t want a goalie — especially with him coming back from injury — you don’t want him staying out there too long, and I think he’s been working really hard.”

Tocchet added that he hadn’t talked to any trainer or been told that there was anything ailing Demko prior to the Canucks’ bench boss conducting his post-practice media availability.

Demko has been out since December 1st, when he suffered a lower-body injury during the Canucks’ home matchup against the Florida Panthers. It was a non-contact injury, which is obviously always a concern for any player, especially a goaltender.

The Canucks started 21-year-old Arturs Silovs on Wednesday night after sending Spencer Martin down to the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks. Martin cleared waivers so can be recalled to the big club if necessary.

Through 15 starts this season, Demko posted a save percentage of .883 and had a record of 3-10-2 as the Canucks struggled mightily out of the gate.

His replacements haven’t been much better, as Spencer Martin posted an .871 save percentage across 29 games played before being sent down to Abbotsford earlier this week. Collin Delia, the man who you’d expect will serve as Demko’s backup if and when he returns this season, has an .878 save percentage through 14 games.

More to come.