The Vancouver Canucks find themselves navigating choppy waters as the NHL season approaches, with starting goaltender Thatcher Demko expected to miss the opening month or two due to injury. This unexpected setback has forced the Canucks’ management to scramble for a reliable solution between the pipes.
Rumors around the league suggest that the Canucks have set their sights on Kevin Lankinen, who has put together two impressive seasons with the Nashville Predators. Lankinen’s performance and relatively modest $2 million salary from last year make him an attractive option for a team in need of a short-term fix.
However, the Canucks’ notoriously tight salary cap situation poses a significant hurdle to any potential trade. Vancouver’s front office will need to get creative to make the numbers work.
There is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. With defenseman Tucker Poolman likely headed to long-term injured reserve (LTIR) and the decision to send goaltender Arturs Silovs to the minors, the Canucks should be able to free up enough cap space to accommodate Lankinen’s contract.
The Canucks’ pursuit of Lankinen underscores the importance of having a capable backup goaltender. Demko’s injury serves as a stark reminder that even the most reliable starters can be sidelined unexpectedly. Vancouver cannot afford to enter the season with a question mark in net.
While Lankinen may not be a long-term solution for the Canucks, he could provide the stability they need to weather the storm until Demko returns. His experience and recent success make him a valuable asset for any team looking to bolster its goaltending depth.
The coming days will be crucial as the Canucks explore their options and attempt to finalize a deal for Lankinen. The clock is ticking, and the pressure is on to find a suitable replacement for Demko before the puck drops on the new season.
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