The Vancouver Canucks have been busy over the last couple of days, especially when it comes to the goaltending situation. While news of department staff changing titles was significant, the bigger story came from “Donnie and Dhali’s” Rick Dhaliwal, who reported that Thatcher Demko might not be 100% ready when training camp opens and that the Canucks were looking at some goaltenders to bring in just in case. One of the names that has generated some attention is 29-year-old Kevin Lankinen, who has spent the last two seasons with the Nashville Predators.
Canucks continue to look for a goalie. It appears that Kevin Lankinen is their target. Lankinen had a very strong 2 seasons in Nashville and made $2 million last year. The Canucks salary cap situation will likely make this very difficult to pull off.
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) August 22, 2024
Listed at 6’2″, 185 pounds, Lankinen has served primarily as a backup throughout his four-year NHL career. An undrafted signing by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2018, Lankinen has gone 45-43-12 during his 112-game NHL career, posting a save percentage of .905 and a goals-against average of 3.07. He also led Finland to a World Championship Gold Medal in 2019, going 7-1-0 while posting a .942 save percentage. Overall, he has proven to be a reliable backup at the NHL level, which could help Vancouver if Demko’s injury issues continue into the regular season.
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Focusing on last year, Lankinen played a key role in helping the Predators secure a playoff spot. He went 17-11-6 while posting a goals saved above expected at five on five of 9.2. For reference, that ranked 13th according to MoneyPuck, who had Thatcher Demko ranked 12th at 9.7. He was also just one of 11 goaltenders who played at least 15 games who was not pulled when starting a game, going a perfect 17 for 17 in 2023-24.
Related: Goaltenders The Canucks Could Sign To PTOs Ahead Of Their 2024 Training Camp
Even if Demko is healthy, having an established backup like Lankinen could be what’s best for the organization this year. The Canucks could give Artūrs Šilovs another season to develop in the AHL and may even be able to use Lankinen as a trade piece at the deadline if the Finnish goaltender signs a one-year contract. Ultimately, if he is willing to sign a team-friendly contract, a goaltender like Lankinen could be a valuable addition to Vancouver’s lineup in 2024-25.
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