Canucks Consider Predators’ Goalie as Replacement for Injured Thatcher Demko…
The Vancouver Canucks are facing a bigger challenge than initially expected due to Thatcher Demko’s slow recovery from a knee injury. However, the team might have found a temporary fix.
With Demko’s return uncertain, the Canucks have set their sights on securing a backup goaltender, focusing on Kevin Lankinen of the Nashville Predators.
According to insiders Thomas Drance and Rick Dhaliwal of The Athletic, the Canucks have recently contacted the Finnish-born Lankinen, who performed solidly as a backup for the Predators last season. Lankinen, with over 100 NHL games under his belt, holds a .905 save percentage and a 3.07 goals-against average.
His experience could be crucial for the Canucks, especially if Demko isn’t ready for the season’s start. The 29-year-old Lankinen would provide reliable support and could share duties with prospect Arturs Silovs, who, despite showing potential, lacks significant NHL experience.
The Canucks’ interest in Lankinen isn’t coincidental; he shares a connection with Vancouver’s new goaltending coach, Marko Torenius, as both hail from Helsinki.
However, acquiring Lankinen might not be easy. Although he’s currently unsigned, his performance suggests he could demand more than a minimum contract, complicating negotiations.
Last season, Lankinen earned $2 million, and his experience could justify a contract worth more than the veteran minimum. Drance and Dhaliwal suggest that Vancouver could free up cap space by placing Tucker Poolman’s $2.5 million contract on Long Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) for the season, but this option isn’t currently planned as Poolman is expected to start the 2024-25 season outside of LTIR.
The Canucks’ front office is primarily focused on “maximizing cap flexibility at the 2025 trade deadline,” which could make securing Lankinen more challenging. Besides Demko, Vancouver’s goaltending roster includes Jiri Patera, Silovs, and Nikita Tolopilo.
