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Kevin Lankinen debuted in the NHL for the Chicago Blackhawks in 2020-21 and was the starter as a 25-year-old rookie. He had a solid season and played one more season for the Blackhawks after that. Now Chicago’s former goalie has signed a five-year, $4.5 million AAV contract with the Vancouver Canucks.
Lankinen had a great start to the season after betting on himself this past offseason. He played behind Juuse Saros in Nashville for two seasons after leaving the Blackhawks and put up strong numbers as the backup. This led him to believe that he could be a starter at 29 years old, and he was right.
With Thatcher Demko’s injury troubles, Lankinen was exactly what the Canucks needed as he is now 19-8-7 with a .2.53 GAA, .905 SV%, and four shutouts through 32 starts. The Canucks are in a playoff spot with a big thanks to him.
Lankinen deserved the extension and it is not shocking to see one come with Demko having one year left on his deal and Lankinen set to be a UFA after the season. This should all but confirm Demko won’t be with Vancouver past next season, especially if Lankinen continues to play well.
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