The Vancouver Canucks have locked up some security in net as goaltender Kevin Lankinen signs to a long-term deal. Elliotte Friedman reported Friday morning that Vancouver and Lankinen have agreed to terms on a five-year contract, worth $4.5 million per season.
Kevin Lankinen signs 5x$4.5M extension in Vancouver
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 21, 2025
Kevin Lankinen First Signs in Vancouver Late in Offseason
Just before the start of the 2024-2025, season Vancouver signed Lankinen to a one-year, $875,000 contract. Lankinen was coming off a decent season as a backup in Nashville. During the 2023-2024 season, he started 24 games and posted a .908 save percentage and 2.82 goals-against average with one shutout. However, he remained without a new contract well into the offseason. Heading into the new season, Canucks starting goaltender Thatcher Demko was dealing with a unknown injury and it was becoming clear that he wouldn’t be able to start the season. Lankinen was brought in as insurance and expected to battle with Arturs Silovs for starts. Silovs was coming off an amazing playoff run with the Canucks in the 2023-2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs and looking to build on this success.
Season So Far
Since joining Vancouver, Kevin Lankinen has played well, and this deal he signs make sense for both parties. He outplayed Silovs early in the season for the Canucks and earned the starting job. He’s started 34 games this season and currently has a 2.53 GAA and a .905 SV% These numbers put him right in the middle of the pack for goaltending statistics this year. However, Lankinen’s value to the Canucks goes beyond numbers. Their franchise goaltender Thatcher Demko hasn’t looked like his old self since returning from injury and is now out again with another lower-body injury.
Key Signing for Playoff Run
With so much uncertainty around Demko, this decision gives Vancouver some much-needed stability in the crease. He has proven he has the ability to be an NHL starting goaltender. Although he may not have the ceiling of a Thatcher Demko, having a consistent presence in the net that can give the Canucks a chance to win games will be massive as they head into a playoff run.
Main Photo Credit: Jeff Curry – Imagn Images
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