Kevin Lankinen Reveals Real Reason for Signing Long-Term with the Canucks and It Isn't What You Expect
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Photo credit: Bob Frid - USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Lankinen may have had more lucrative contract offers before signing a one year deal with the Vancouver Canucks that pays $875,000, but the goaltender's bet on himself in free agency has paid off.
The Vancouver Canucks signed the 29 year old Finnish goalie to a 5 year extension on Friday, after his performance throughout the season has been better than anyone anticipated.
Kevin Lankinen says his strong play comes as no surprise
While fans, media, and perhaps even the Vancouver Canucks organization never imagined Kevin Lankinen playing at such a high level this season, the Finn says it comes as no surprise to him, and that he's been ready and waiting for an opportunity like this.
I think for some of you guys, or some of the fans out there, it's been a pleasant surprise, but for me, I've been preparing for this opportunity for a long time... in Nashville, I played behind a great goalie, one of the best goalies in the world, and maybe I didn't have the playing time, but I felt like I had what it took. That's why I left the familiar behind and wanted to find a new opportunity where I could showcase that - Kevin Lankinen
While Lankinen could have remained in a place he'd grown comfortable, he decided to venture into the unknown, and now that decision has paid off with a life changing contract.
The Canucks certainly wouldn't have hoped to deal with Thatcher Demko's injuries this season, but they've remained in good hands with Lankinen - and can count themselves lucky that the goaltender decided to sign with them.
It was more about finding the right fit. And I felt like, when we started talking with Vancouver, there was really something there. So I kind of left the safe and the familiar behind me and stepped into the unknown, and made sure that the preparations were there.
Lankinen's new deal kicks in next season, and will pay him $4.5 million in each of the next five seasons.
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