Elliotte Friedman is reporting that Vancouver might be signing Kevin Lankinen to a one-year deal for “underneath $1M…they want some insurance coverage and he gives it.” This information comes not lengthy after Rick Dhaliwal tweeted, “Replace as we speak : I consider the Canucks curiosity in Lankinen is selecting up!”
The Canucks have been on the lookout for goaltending assist for weeks. Understanding that Thatcher Demko‘s standing is unsure and Arturs Silovs is prepared, but additionally comparatively inexperienced, the Canucks wanted some insurance coverage in objective.
Dhaliwal went right into a little bit of a rant this week about how a lot the Canucks overplayed Demko and it wound up ensuing within the odd damage he’s now coping with. The group couldn’t make the identical mistake once more this season.
Lankinen is a former Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators goaltender. Dhaliwal was a bit shocked the Canucks had been pursuing this so onerous contemplating the price. Whereas it was a freebie as a result of it value no property to accumulate him, on the time, Dhaliwal felt the deal may cost a little greater than $1 million and that Vancouver was providing lower than that. Dhaliwal stated that Lankinen might need been ready for the supply to leap earlier than signing, with studies having already surfaced that he turned down a special supply just a few weeks in the past.
Lankinen had strong numbers the previous two seasons, so that is in all probability a wise wager by Vancouver. In 19 video games throughout the 2022-23 season, he posted a .916 save proportion. In 2023-24, he posted a .908 save proportion, in each seasons with the Predators.
At this level, the Canucks now have their insurance coverage and what they do now might be intriguing. This deal places them over the wage cap with 23/23 contracts signed for the season.
Subsequent: Canucks Give “Blunt” Problem To Brock Boeser Forward of Season
