Regret - Vancouver Canucks' Recent Contract Extension to Kevin Lankinen Backfiring After Saturday Announcement
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Photo credit: The Canuck Way
The Vancouver Canucks are partaking in the most important games of the season, and a recent stat has exposed that general manager Patrik Allvin and the Canucks made a mistake signing goalie Kevin Lankinen to a contract extension.
With Thatcher Demko starting the season on the injured list with no timeframe of a return in sight, offseason signee Kevin Lankinen stepped up to the plate, becoming the Canucks' bonified starter.
His incredible play led to Patrik Allvin and the Canucks Canucks singing him to a 5-year contract extension worth $22.5 million USD ($4.5 million AAV).
Unfortunately for both sides, this contract had turned out to be a mistake so far.
Vancouver Canucks should have waited too give Kevin Lankinen a contract extension
Since signing his new deal, Lankinen has struggled in between the pipes, and last nights start against the Columbus Blue Jackets reflected that very clearly.
Although increasing their goal support, The Canucks blew a 4-0 lead in the third period, ultimately leading to a 7-6 shoutout loss, where Lankinen let in a lot of goals that should have been stopped.
Only three of the six goals against were from high-danger chances. One goal was from a middle-danger shot, and two were from low-danger. Lankinen wasn't up to par last night. - Michael Liu
There is an argument to be made that Allvin should have waited to give him a big deal.
It was announced that Lankinen has one of the leagues worst save percentage (S%) ever since February 21st, when both sides put pen to paper on an extension.
Kevin Lankinen has an .880sv% since signing his long term extension with the Canucks
With that being said, the Canucks would be nowhere near a playoff spot if it were not for Lankinen and his stellar play all season long.
He obviously was not good on Friday, but it does not change that he has earned every penny of the contract that was awarded to him.
Players and goalies through rough stretches, it is just the reality, it just bad timing when every single game is a do or die.
