The Vancouver Canucks have solidified their goaltending future, announcing a five-year contract extension for Kevin Lankinen, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $4.5 million.
The deal, confirmed by General Manager Patrik Allvin, ensures stability in the crease—an essential factor as the team awaits the full recovery of Thatcher Demko.“Kevin has done a great job for us in net this season,” said Allvin in a media release.
“Right from the start of the year, he has shown a strong desire to compete and a willingness to do whatever it takes to win hockey games. A good leader and teammate, we wouldn’t be in the position we are in right now without his strong play.”
With regular starter Thatcher Demko limited to just 17 games this season due to injury, the 29-year-old Lankinen has stepped up to keep the Canucks in playoff contention.
In 34 games, he has posted a 19-8-7 record alongside a 2.53 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage.
His four shutouts and 19 wins mark career highs, proving his reliability as a key piece in Vancouver’s success.Lankinen also made history in his Canucks debut, becoming the first goaltender in NHL history to start a season 10-0-0 on the road.
Standing 6’2” and 190 lbs, Lankinen has played 146 NHL games across five seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, and Canucks.
His career record sits at 64-51-19 with a 2.94 goals-against average, .905 save percentage, and seven shutouts.
The Helsinki, Finland native has also represented his country on multiple occasions, most notably winning gold with Finland at the 2019 IIHF World Championship and competing in the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.
Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by Chicago in 2018, Lankinen has since carved out a steady NHL career.
Now, with a long-term deal in place, the Canucks can move forward with confidence in their goaltending tandem—whether Demko returns to full form or Lankinen continues to carry the load.
