How Canucks' Kevin Lankinen Turned A Prove-It Deal Into A Five-Year Extension
Kevin Lankinen (Bob Frid-Imagn Images)Vancouver Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen signed the biggest contract extension of his NHL career on Friday after being a late-summer signing before the season.
The Vancouver Canucks announced they signed Lankinen to a five-year contract worth $4.5 million per season fresh off the 4 Nations Face-Off.
The Finnish goaltender became a UFA last off-season after a steady two-year stint with the Nashville Predators. He was without a contract as NHL training camps began.
Last season, Lankinen recorded a 2.82 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage, including one shutout and an 11-6-0 record as the backup to Juuse Saros.
He eventually signed a one-year deal with the Canucks on Sept. 21 for $875,000.
The 29-year-old backstopped the Canucks while Vancouver’s starting goalie, Thatcher Demko, missed the first two months of the season with injury. Even after Demko returned on Dec. 10, Lankinen's played 14 games compared to Demko's 17.
Demko’s availability is in question again. After stopping six shots in 10 minutes, he was forced to give the net to Lankinen due to a lower-body injury that is considered week-to-week.
Lankinen has a .905 save percentage and a 2.53 goals-against average in 34 games. His four shutouts are tied for second-best in the NHL as well. Demko, meanwhile, has a 2.87 goals-against average and a .891 save percentage.
Lankinen's play this season was not only impressive enough to earn this new contract that will kick in next season, but he also earned a spot in the 4 Nations Face-Off to represent Finland with Saros. After Saros allowed six goals in Finland's first game against the USA, Lankinen played against Sweden and stopped 21 of 24 shots in an overtime win. He also got the start against Team Canada but was pulled after four goals on 13 shots.
Vancouver’s tandem of Demko and Lankinen will have at least one more season together as Demko approaches the final year of his contract next season.
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