Later, Jacob Markstrom and Thatcher Demko remained best buddies even while Demko pushed for a bigger role. In 2020, Markstrom left for Calgary as a free agent, and both players grew into Vezina Trophy finalists.

Demko’s placement on the IR will likely be made retroactive to Feb. 8. He left the Canucks’ game against the Toronto Maple Leafs after only 10 minutes due to a lower-body injury.

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko is considered week-to-week with a lower-body injury, a team spokesperson said Tuesday.