Thatcher Demko might return to action on Monday against the New Jersey Devils, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. The Vancouver Canucks goaltender, sidelined since February 8, participated in practice on Sunday,

His status has changed. On Monday, the Canucks announced that they activated Demko from the injured reserve in their final, desperate bid for a playoff spot. He has not played since sustaining a lower-body injury against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Feb. 8.

Thatcher Demko is locked in on the now and not the future. However, how the Vancouver Canucks starting goaltender performs in the final and crucial portion of a perilous pursuit of a playoff position — and hopefully in the post-season — will give him give a leg up on making a timely impact next NHL season.