Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Finland goalie Kevin Lankinen (32) looks on in warm-up before the game against Team USA during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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Vancouver Canucks Secure Kevin Lankinen with Five-Year Extension

Vancouver locks in goaltender Kevin Lankinen for the future

The Vancouver Canucks have locked in goaltender Kevin Lankinen with a five-year, $22.5 million contract extension, keeping him with the team through the 2029-30 season. The deal comes with a cap hit of $4.5 million per year, and $8.5 million of his total earnings will be paid in signing bonuses. Lankinen, who turns 30 in April, was set to hit free agency this summer, but his strong play this season made him a priority signing for the Canucks.

Lankinen joined Vancouver on a one-year, $875K deal last summer after struggling to find a contract. However, he quickly proved his worth, stepping up in a big way while starter Thatcher Demko dealt with injuries. So far this season, he has started 32 of the team’s 55 games and has posted a .905 save percentage and a 2.53 goals-against average. His steady performances have helped keep Vancouver in playoff contention.

Kevin Lankinen locks in 5 more years with the Canucks 🔒 pic.twitter.com/xaRS7tErbN
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) February 21, 2025

Before joining the Canucks, Lankinen was a solid backup for Juuse Saros in Nashville and had an up-and-down stint with the Chicago Blackhawks. While he has never been considered an elite goaltender, he has shown he can handle a bigger workload when needed. Given the rising NHL salary cap, his new contract should age better than similar deals from past years. However, some may find the five-year commitment and trade protection a bit surprising, considering his track record.

This signing also provides insurance for the Canucks in case Demko’s injury struggles continue. Demko, who was an All-Star last season, has missed significant time this year with various injuries. His numbers have dipped as a result, and the Canucks don’t have any top goalie prospects ready to take over. Their third option, Arturs Silovs, has struggled when given chances, making Lankinen’s extension an important move for Vancouver’s goaltending depth.

Lankinen will be 35 when this contract ends, making this the biggest deal of his career. When it expires in 2030, he’ll have another shot at free agency, but for now, he’s secured his future with the Canucks.

Image Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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Vancouver Canucks

Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!