Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver
Western Conference · Western Conference
The Canucks announced Saturday that Lekkerimaki would require season-ending surgery, but he's expected to be ready to return in time for training camp in September, when he should have an opportunity to compete for an NHL roster spot. Over 13 appearances with Vancouver this year, the 21-year-old recorded two goals, an assist, 10 hits and five blocked shots while averaging 11:41 of ice time.
According to the team, Demko's hip surgery is unrelated to the one from last season, and the backstop will be ready for the start of training camp in the fall. Still, the fact that the San Diego native will play less than 25 games for the second straight year is a concern for fans and fantasy managers alike. With Demko on the shelf, Kevin Lankinen figures to serve as the primary option for the Canucks moving forward.
In corresponding moves, the Canucks put Victor Mancini (undisclosed) on injured reserve and recalled Tom Willander from AHL Abbotsford. Forbort has already missed the last eight games. He will be eligible to play against Chicago on Nov. 5, but it's unclear when he will be available to return to the lineup.