Canucks Extend Lankinen with $22.5M Five-Year Deal

The Vancouver Canucks have signed goaltender Kevin Lankinen to a five-year contract extension worth $22.5 million. Lankinen has been instrumental for the Canucks this season, securing 19 of their 26 wins and effectively filling in during Thatcher Demko's injury absences. The deal raises questions about the future of the Canucks' goaltending situation, as Demko's contract expires after the 2025-26 season. Lankinen's contract makes Vancouver's goaltending duo one of the most expensive in the league, consuming about 10% of the team's cap space, limiting opportunities for younger goaltender Artūrs Šilovs unless injuries occur. Lankinen's impressive performance includes a 2.53 goals-against average, a .905 save percentage, and participation in the 4 Nations Face-Off, representing Finland.