Canucks’ Elias Pettersson, Thatcher Demko nearing returns

Two key Vancouver Canucks could be nearing returns.

Elias Pettersson could return to practice as soon as Wednesday while goalie Thatcher Demko declared himself good to go for Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres, head coach Adam Foote told reporters on Tuesday.

Pettersson was a late scratch for Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Wild and also missed Monday against the Detroit Red Wings.

Foote said the team became aware of an injury that morning, and the 27-year-old tested it during warmups but was unable to play.

He was scheduled to go for an MRI on Sunday.

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Pettersson had been set to play in his 500th NHL game — all with the Canucks. He has 193 goals and 286 assists for his career, including eight goals and 14 assists in 28 games this season.

Demko, meanwhile, hasn’t played since Nov. 11 when he exited a game against the Winnipeg Jets with a lower-body injury.

In 10 games for the Canucks this season, Demko has a 2.80 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage. With Demko out, Kevin Lankinen has handled the majority of the goaltending duties for Vancouver.

Demko also missed much of last season with a knee injury, playing just 23 games and posting a 10-8-3 record with a .889 save percentage and a 2.90 goals-against average.