Free-agent goaltender Kevin Lankinen has shocked hockey fans after rejecting a significant contract offer from the Vancouver Canucks. With both of the Canucks’ top goaltenders, Thatcher Demko and Arturs Silovs, sidelined with injuries, Lankinen was targeted as a short-term solution, but talks have fallen apart over financial disagreements.
Heading into the 2024-2025 season, the Canucks find themselves in a tough position. Demko is dealing with a lingering knee injury, and Silovs is nursing a similar, though less severe, issue. In need of a reliable backup, the Canucks pursued Lankinen, who ended last season with an 11-6-0 record, a .908 save percentage, and a 5.56 goals saved above expected (GSAx). However, the 29-year-old goalie turned down their offer, reportedly seeking more than $1 million per season, which Vancouver is unwilling to meet.
While Lankinen may not be a long-term replacement for Demko or Silovs, he was viewed as the best short-term option for Vancouver’s current goaltending crisis. However, unless the two sides can come to an agreement, it seems increasingly unlikely that Lankinen will don a Canucks jersey anytime soon.
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The situation has left many fans frustrated, as the Canucks struggle to find a solution between the pipes. Last season, Vancouver was fortunate to have strong performances from both Demko and Silovs. Demko, in particular, played in 51 games, posting an impressive 35-14-2 record with a 2.45 goals-against average (GAA) and a .918 save percentage. Silovs also shined when called upon, going 3-0-1 in four regular-season appearances and holding his own in the playoffs with a 5-5 record.
With their top two goalies sidelined and Lankinen seemingly out of the picture, the Canucks may face serious goaltending challenges as they head into the new season. Fans are left wondering if the team will make another move to bolster their goaltending depth or if they’ll continue to struggle without a solid backup plan.
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