Lankinen joins the Utah HC in NHL 24 free agency
Another NHL 24 free agency prediction of players who are still unsigned, today we are looking at Kevin Lankinen's next contract.
Lankinen posted an 11-6 record with a 2.82 GAA and .908 SV% in 24 appearances with the Nashville Predators last season. He has a career record of 45-43-12 with a 3.07 GAA and .905 SV%. His 37 appearances with the Blackhawks in 2020-21 are his career high. He also backstopped Finland to a Gold Medal at the 2019 IIHF Men's World Championship.
The 29-year-old would make a cheap half of a tandem for a team looking to split time between goalies and run a 1A and 1B. With solid but unremarkable numbers and good size at 6'2, it is surprising no one has taken a chance on Lankinen yet.
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After only appearing 14 games during the simulation, Lankinen only wanted $1.525 million on a one-year deal from Nashville.
After exploring his options in free agency the Helsinki, native opted to sign a two-year deal that pays him $1.600 million annually with the Arizona Coyotes/Utah HC.
This would be an interesting decision in real life as Utah have reigning Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winner Connor Ingram and Karel Vejmelka under contract and Lankinen should be able to find a team that will give him more playing time.
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