While Vancouver Canucks fans will be thrilled to see Thatcher Demko on the ice working with coaches, they may have a hard time convincing themselves their star goalie is anywhere near a return to game action.
Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli shared video on Tuesday of Demko getting some extra work in after the team's optional skate, saying the goalie is 'grinding' as he looks to get back to game shape.
Based on the drills he can be seen working on with coaches, the 28 year old still looks like he could be quite far away from getting himself back into games.
The Canucks have been tight lipped about Demko's recovery, but obviously they're not ready to have him fully competing in practices just yet, and there's still no timetable for his return.
While Canucks management and coaching staff are likely doing everything they can to avoid rushing their star goalie, the video doesn't exactly inspire confidence in the star goalie being near a return.
The Canucks have managed to keep their heads above water without their starter and currently sit in 3rd in the Pacific, but the goaltender can be a gamechanger, and they'll have a hard time being at their best without him.
Demko last played in a 4-2 playoff victory over the Nashville Predators, he's been recovering from a knee injury since then and the Canucks have maintained that they expect him back sometime this season.
