The Journey of Kevin Lankinen
The journey of goaltender Kevin Lankinen has taken him from the Chicago Blackhawks to a promising position with the Vancouver Canucks in the 2024-25 NHL season. Initially, Chicago sought to avoid a full rebuild while he was there, resulting in limited opportunities for his development.
Finding Success in Vancouver
Following a stint with the Nashville Predators, Lankinen found his footing in Vancouver, where he has thrived as the team’s starting goalie after an injury sidelined Thatcher Demko, the expected ace at the beginning of the season.
Impressive Performance
In 51 appearances this season, Lankinen has demonstrated his skills, achieving an impressive record of 25 wins, 15 losses, and 10 ties, along with a goals-against average of 2.62 and a save percentage of .902. Notably, he secured four shutouts throughout the season, showcasing his ability to perform amidst the team’s off-ice challenges.
When Demko returned, he played in 23 games but struggled to regain his former elite status, which paved the way for Lankinen’s success.
Contract and Future Prospects
As recognition for his outstanding play, Lankinen recently signed a lucrative five-year contract worth $22.5 million, translating to an average annual value of $4.5 million. This contract provides him with a sense of stability and security with the Canucks, particularly after the recent trade of promising young goalie Arturs Silovs to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Silovs had emerged as a strong prospect, notably winning the Calder Cup and being named Playoff MVP while with the Abbotsford Canucks, which likely created some competition for Lankinen and Demko.
Current Goaltending Landscape
With Silovs no longer in the mix, Lankinen and Demko can concentrate on their roles without the anxiety of job security. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks are working to stabilize their goaltending situation with three young talent hopefuls: Spencer Knight as the envisioned future starter, along with Arvid Soderblom and Drew Commesso vying for the backup position.
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