Announcement: Vancouver Canucks Closing In On Deal To Sign Veteran Goaltender Amid Thatcher Demko’s Injury

The Canucks are on the hunt for some short-term goalie help on the trade and UFA market, CHEK’s Rick Dhaliwal said on Sportsnet 650 Tuesday. That’s because star starter Thatcher Demko is healing slower than expected from the knee injury he sustained early in their first-round series against the Predators and still isn’t 100%, per Dhaliwal.

The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly close to securing a deal to sign veteran goaltender Kevin Lankinen as they scramble to address a critical situation in their crease. With starter Thatcher Demko sidelined due to injury, the Canucks are looking to bolster their goaltending depth ahead of a pivotal stretch in their season.

 

Demko’s Injury Woes

Thatcher Demko, who has been a cornerstone for the Canucks, suffered an injury that has left the team in a precarious position. Demko’s importance to the Canucks cannot be overstated; he’s been the backbone of the team, delivering stellar performances that often keep them in contention. His injury has sent shockwaves through the organization, as it leaves the Canucks without their top goaltender during a critical time in the season. The specifics of Demko’s injury have been closely guarded, but early reports suggest that he could miss a significant portion of the upcoming games, which has necessitated urgent action from the Canucks’ front office.

Dhaliwal said it’s unclear if Demko has undergone surgery to address the knee injury, and Vancouver has been concerned about the pace of his rehab as far back as the draft in June.

This storyline comes after information about Demko’s return timeline varied wildly throughout the postseason. Multiple reports stated he’d only be out for one series, while others said he would be shut down for the season. The team never officially ruled him out, instead continuously listing him as week-to-week, but he never did return to the lineup after recording a win in Game 1 against the Predators.

 

The Move for Kevin Lankinen

In response to Demko’s absence, the Canucks have turned their attention to Kevin Lankinen, a veteran goaltender with experience in the NHL. His time as a Predator ended at the hands of Vancouver last season, and he remains unsigned after Nashville opted to sign Scott Wedgewood to replace him as Juuse Saros’ backup. The 29-year-old Finn was an above-average backup during his two years in Tennessee but was sparsely used, posting a 20-14-1 record and .912 SV% in 35 starts and eight relief appearances. Still, he’d be a cheap pickup, certainly not more than the $2MM he made last year after waiting for this late into August to sign.

Lankinen’s journey in the NHL has been one of perseverance. After starting his career in Finland and moving to North America, he worked his way up through the AHL before getting his break with the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2020-2021 season. His performance during that season, where he often faced a barrage of shots, earned him recognition as a capable NHL goaltender. While his time with the Blackhawks and later the Predators had its ups and downs, Lankinen has consistently demonstrated that he can handle the rigors of being an NHL goaltender.

For the Canucks, signing Lankinen represents a low-risk, potentially high-reward move. Lankinen brings a wealth of experience and, importantly, a steadying presence that could help the team navigate through this challenging period. While he may not be a long-term solution, his signing could buy the Canucks some time as they wait for Demko to return to full health.

 

Impact on the Canucks’ Season

The signing of Lankinen comes at a critical juncture in the Canucks’ season. The team has had its share of struggles, and losing Demko has only added to the challenges they face. With the playoff race heating up, every point is crucial, and the Canucks cannot afford to falter due to goaltending issues. Lankinen’s arrival could provide the stability needed to keep the Canucks competitive, allowing them to continue their push for a playoff spot.

Moreover, Lankinen’s presence could also serve as a motivator for the rest of the team. Knowing they have a reliable goaltender behind them could give the Canucks the confidence to play their game without the fear of costly mistakes leading to goals against. The ripple effect of a strong goaltender cannot be underestimated, as it often leads to better overall team performance.

Looking Ahead

While the Canucks await the official announcement of Lankinen’s signing, the move is already being seen as a positive step by many within the organization and among the fan base. The hope is that Lankinen can step in and fill the void left by Demko, giving the team a chance to stay in the playoff hunt. As the season progresses, the Canucks will be closely monitoring Demko’s recovery while relying on Lankinen to help them navigate this challenging period.

In a league where goaltending can make or break a season, the Canucks’ proactive approach in securing a veteran like Lankinen could prove to be a decisive factor in their quest for postseason success.