The Vancouver Canucks have made a significant move by securing goalie Kevin Lankinen with a five-year contract extension, which holds an average annual value of $4.5 million. This agreement was finalized on Friday, marking a pivotal moment for the 29-year-old Finnish player, who initially joined the team on a one-year deal worth $875,000 back in September.

Lankinen has had a remarkable season thus far, achieving personal bests with 19 wins and four shutouts. His current record stands at 19-8-7, accompanied by a goals-against average of 2.53 and a save percentage of .905 over 34 games played. Notably, he made history as the first goalie in NHL history to kick off a season with a 10-0-0 record in away games, showcasing his exceptional skills and performance on the ice.

In expressing his gratitude, Lankinen remarked on how this contract serves as a testament to his dedication and effort since he began his hockey journey at the age of three. He acknowledged the trust and commitment shown by the management, highlighting their belief in him for both the current season and beyond. “I’m really grateful for the commitment and the trust from the management,” he stated, underlining the significance of this contract extension.

Prior to joining the Canucks, Lankinen spent two seasons with the Nashville Predators, where he played as a backup to goalie Juuse Saros. The Canucks brought him in to provide solid support for Thatcher Demko, who unfortunately missed the preseason due to a knee injury and was later sidelined by back spasms, further emphasizing the importance of Lankinen’s role on the team.

With this new contract, the Canucks are looking ahead, with Lankinen expected to play a crucial part in their plans in the seasons to come. His overall contributions have already made a substantial impact on the team’s performance this season, adding depth and reliability in goal.