The Vancouver Canucks made a notable move on September 21, 2024, when General Manager Patrik Allvin announced the signing of Finnish goaltender Kevin Lankinen to a one-year, $875,000 contract. This signing adds depth to Vancouver’s goaltending corps, but it raises important questions about the health of the Canucks’ current netminders, specifically Thatcher Demko and Arturs Silovs.

Let’s break down Lankinen’s arrival, what it could mean for the Canucks, and how this move might affect the team’s goaltending situation for the upcoming season.

Lankinen’s Journey to Vancouver

Kevin Lankinen, a 29-year-old Finnish goaltender, has spent the last two seasons with the Nashville Predators after starting his NHL career with the Chicago Blackhawks. Known for his poise and size, standing 6’2″ and weighing 190 lbs, Lankinen’s experience and steady performance make him a valuable asset for the Canucks.

Last season, Lankinen appeared in 24 games for the Predators, posting an 11-6-0 record with a 2.82 goals-against average (GAA) and a .908 save percentage, along with one shutout. Those numbers reflect a solid year for a goaltender in a backup role, especially behind Nashville’s standout starter Juuse Saros. Lankinen has a career record of 45-43-12, with a 3.07 GAA, a .905 save percentage, and three shutouts over 112 NHL games.

One of Lankinen’s career highlights came in 2019 when he helped lead Finland to a gold medal at the IIHF World Championship. His stellar play, including a 1.50 GAA, .942 save percentage, and two shutouts, demonstrated his ability to perform on the international stage. Vancouver will certainly be hoping that Lankinen can recapture some of that form during his time with the Canucks.

Why Did Lankinen Change His Mind?

Reports in recent weeks suggested that Lankinen had previously turned down offers from the Canucks. It’s not uncommon for contract negotiations to ebb and flow, with various factors influencing a player’s decision. But what led to Lankinen changing his mind?

A few key reasons could have contributed to his decision. First, the Canucks may have adjusted their offer, both in terms of role and compensation. While $875,000 is a modest contract in NHL terms, it provides Lankinen with a clear path to potentially earn more in the future by proving himself in Vancouver.

Additionally, Vancouver could have become a more attractive destination for Lankinen due to their changing goaltending situation. Thatcher Demko, the team’s undisputed No. 1 goaltender, is dealing with a mysterious muscle injury, which could potentially sideline him for longer than initially anticipated. This opens up an opportunity for Lankinen to see more ice time and potentially step into a bigger role than he might have expected.

Lastly, Lankinen might see Vancouver as a place where he can rejuvenate his career. At 29, he’s still young enough to make a significant impact, and a strong season with the Canucks could set him up for more lucrative contracts or a longer-term role down the line.

What Does This Signing Mean for Demko’s and Silovs’ Health?

The most pressing question surrounding the Lankinen signing is what it means for the health of Thatcher Demko and Arturs Silovs. Demko is the backbone of the Canucks’ goaltending, and his health is a significant concern for the team moving forward.

Demko’s mysterious muscle injury has caused concern among fans and management alike. While details about the nature of the injury remain scarce, the fact that the Canucks signed another NHL-caliber goaltender suggests that management might be bracing for an extended absence. Demko struggled with injuries during the 2022-23 season, and Vancouver can ill afford to lose their No. 1 netminder for an extended period again.

Lankinen’s signing could indicate that the Canucks are preparing for a situation where Demko may not be available to start the season or could miss significant time early on. If that’s the case, Lankinen could step into the backup role or even challenge for the starting position, depending on how the situation unfolds.

Meanwhile, Arturs Silovs, who had a breakout season in the AHL and impressed in his limited NHL appearances, was expected to take on a larger role this year. Silovs is considered the goaltender of the future for Vancouver, but the addition of Lankinen may suggest that management doesn’t want to rush his development. Silovs could still see NHL action, but Lankinen’s presence gives the Canucks more flexibility and allows them to ensure Silovs continues to grow at the right pace.

A Safety Net for the Season

The Lankinen signing, from a broader perspective, gives Vancouver more depth and stability in goal. Last season, when Demko went down with an injury, the Canucks were left scrambling to find consistent goaltending. While Spencer Martin and Collin Delia filled in, the team struggled to get reliable performances on a nightly basis. Vancouver has learned from that experience and appears to be taking a more cautious approach this time around.

By bringing in Lankinen, the Canucks have added an experienced backup who can step into the crease when needed, providing a safety net if Demko’s injury persists or Silovs isn’t ready for full-time NHL duty. Lankinen’s experience in both the NHL and international play gives the Canucks a dependable option, whether as a backup or potentially as a short-term starter.

What to Expect from Lankinen in Vancouver

Lankinen will likely start the season as the backup goaltender behind Demko or Silovs, depending on Demko’s health status. However, his role could change quickly if the Canucks’ injury woes in goal continue. Lankinen is not an elite goaltender by any means, but he’s shown flashes of strong play throughout his career. His numbers last season in Nashville, a 2.82 GAA and .908 save percentage, indicate that he can be a reliable option in net.

For Lankinen, the one-year deal represents an opportunity to prove himself in a competitive environment. The Canucks will expect him to provide stability and potentially even push Silovs to elevate his game. If he performs well, Lankinen could either stick around as a valuable backup or attract attention from other teams looking for goaltending depth.

Final Thoughts on Signing Kevin Lankinen: A Smart Move?

The signing of Kevin Lankinen is a low-risk, potentially high-reward move for the Canucks. For just $875,000, they’ve added a goaltender with solid NHL experience who can step in if injuries arise or if Silovs needs more time to develop. This also allows the Canucks to hedge their bets in case Demko’s injury becomes a long-term issue.

The question that remains, however, is whether the Lankinen signing signals deeper concerns within the Canucks organization about their goaltending health. Fans will need to keep a close eye on Demko’s status as the season approaches. Regardless of what happens, Lankinen’s arrival gives Vancouver more options and provides a level of security they didn’t have last season.

As we look toward the 2024-25 NHL season, how do you feel about the Canucks’ goaltending depth? Is Lankinen a smart insurance policy, or are you concerned about what this signing could mean for Demko’s health? Let us know in the comments below.

Go Canucks Go!