The Vancouver Canucks are facing more setbacks ahead of training camp, with another key player sidelined due to injury. The team will be without both Teddy Blueger and Cole McWard, as both players recently underwent surgery.
Already dealing with a string of injuries, the Canucks were set to begin camp in Penticton without star goaltender Thatcher Demko and forward Dakota Joshua. Demko has been recovering from a knee injury, which could keep him out for the start of the 2024-25 season, as surgery is not an option. Meanwhile, the team shocked fans on Tuesday by announcing that Joshua had undergone surgery to remove a cancerous lump from his testicle.
Now, the list of absentees has grown. According to Thomas Drance of The Athletic, Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin confirmed that both Blueger and McWard will miss the start of training camp after undergoing minor lower-body surgeries. Blueger’s recovery is listed as day-to-day, while McWard is expected to be out week-to-week.
Blueger’s Absence is a Bigger Blow
Of the two players, Teddy Blueger’s absence is more significant for the Canucks. The 30-year-old was a standout in his first season with Vancouver, proving to be a valuable asset in the bottom-six. He set a personal best with 22 assists and matched his career high of 28 points overall, while averaging nearly 15 minutes of ice time in 68 games. Blueger’s performance earned him a two-year contract extension with an annual average value of $1.8 million.
As for Cole McWard, the young defenseman has only appeared in six NHL games so far, with one goal to his name. His week-to-week absence will cost him crucial opportunities to showcase his skills and fight for a more regular spot in the lineup.
Uncertainty Around Demko’s Injury
In a final note, Drance reported that Allvin hinted Demko will provide an update on his injury during Thursday’s media availability. However, there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the goaltender’s status, and fans will be hoping for clarity, though they shouldn’t get their hopes too high for definitive answers.
The Canucks’ injury troubles are mounting as they prepare for the upcoming season, leaving fans and the organization concerned about how these setbacks could impact their early progress.
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