It's confirmed for Kevin Lankinen: The battle is on
With the uncertainty to Thatcher Demko's availability for the beginning of the season, Patrik Allvin had no other choice then to go on the market and get a goaltender to support the young Arturs Silovs.
The GM answered the call and announced a one-year deal, worth less then a $1M, for the Finnish netminder Kevin Lankinen.
After two pre season games, Lankinen has not yet showcased his abilities, but as confirmed by the team and the goaltender himself; he'll be making his Canucks' debut on Friday. The netminder was given the chance to comment on his readiness to play and he didn't disappoint:
Arturs Silovs showed the improvements he brought to his game when he face the Kraken, Lankinen will now have an opportunity to prove that not only he belongs, but that he wants the starter's role until Demko is healed up.
Lankinen and Silovs: Battle for the backup spot coming
Even though Silovs made it clear to the Canucks when he re-signed that he wanted to be an NHLer, this particular situation does create an internal battle for the role of Demko's second.
Thus far, Silovs has been extremely dominant and it'll be hard to take him away from his job. If he keeps it up, the Canucks will have to decide whether they want to roll with three goaltenders or move Kevin Lankinen who has an 8-team no trade clause.
Source: Canucks Army
Scenes from two practices: Canucks skate in two groups at UBC; Lankinen to start Friday in Seattle
| POLL | ||
Who do you see as Demko's back up? | ||
| Lankinen | 39 | 20.9 % |
| Silovs | 126 | 67.4 % |
| Roll with three netminder | 22 | 11.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
