Canucks goaltender Casey DeSmith (29) in action against the New York Islanders in the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024
Photo credit: Adam Hunger/AP

Insider updates on the extent of Casey DeSmith's injury

Published April 28, 2024 at 3:10 PM
BY OWEN FULLERTON
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The Vancouver Canucks tandem for Game 4 against the Predators will look very familiar to viewers of AHL Abbotsford, as Casey DeSmith has been ruled out. Already contending with an injury to Thatcher Demko, the Canucks will turn to 23-year-old Arturs Silovs on Sunday, with 24-year-old Nikita Tolopilo playing the backup role.

Reporters, including Irfaan Gaffar and Frank Seravalli, have said DeSmith's injury doesn't appear to be serious, but the team wanted to give him a chance to rest whatever is ailing him with the expectation that they'll need to lean on him for the long haul.

Doesn't sound like it's a major injury for DeSmith. Likely back for game five. Team is confident in Silovs and wants to be able to let DeSmith get back to full health for rest of this series. Team decision to not play him this afternoon. He has played through worse. #Canucks




At the moment, DeSmith remains an option for Game 5 in Vancouver, but the two rookie goalies will have to hold the fort for Vancouver in the meantime.

Sounds relatively minor for DeSmith, but enough to keep him out for Game 4. Expect Nikita Tolopilo to backup Silovs this afternoon.

DeSmith is a possibility for Game 5 in Van on Tuesday night. Injury occurred late in Game 3 but is unrelated to McCarron hit. #Canucks #preds


Meanwhile, Vancouver's injury woes also spell bad news for their AHL affiliate Abbotsford, who are set to play in an elimination game today in the Calder Cup playoffs - with both of their main goalies up with the NHL club.
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April 28   |   1180 answers
Insider updates on the extent of Casey DeSmith's injury

Given that DeSmith's injury isn't really serious and the Canucks are being cautious, would you play him in game 5?

Yes40033.9 %
No78066.1 %
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