3 reasons why Vancouver Canucks signing Kevin Lankinen doesn't solve their goaltending problems

The Vancouver Canucks signed free agent netminder Kevin Lankinen to a one-year, $875,000 deal on Saturday. The deal is the result of the Canucks’ uncertain situation regarding starting goaltender Thatcher Demko.

With backup Arturs Silovs destined to be the starter in Demko’s absence, signing Lankinen adds a more experienced goaltender to support Silovs.

However, Lankinen’s arrival with the Canucks doesn’t solve the team’s goaltending situation. Here are three reasons why.

3 reasons why Vancouver Canucks signing Kevin Lankinen doesn't solve their goaltending situation

#1. Lankinen is a career backup

Lankinen has spent his NHL career predominantly as a backup. He was the backup to Juuse Saros in Nashville for the past two seasons, appearing in 43 games.

While his numbers weren’t bad last season (2.82 GAA and a .908 SV%), he hasn’t shown the type of stellar play that could inspire confidence in him taking over the crease.

If the Canucks were to rely on Lankinen to make a significant number of starts, the club could be gambling on a career backup that has yet to prove he can handle the load as a starter.

#2. Lankinen is relatively inexperienced, too

The 29-year-old Lankinen has only played 112 NHL games in four seasons. That situation makes him a relatively inexperienced goaltender. With Arturs Silovs even more inexperienced than Lankinen, the Canucks are asking a lot from this tandem.

The major issue lies in the fact that the Canucks are expected to contend for the Pacific Division title this upcoming season. However, a contending club cannot rely on two inexperienced goaltenders to carry the load, especially come playoff time.

Unless Silovs proves he’s ready to be the starting goaltender in Vancouver, the Canucks may need to rely far more on Lankinen than they might want to.

#3. The Canucks could lose Lankinen once Demko returns

Lankinen is essentially a stopgap solution until Thatcher Demko returns. Since it’s unlikely the team carries three netminders, the Canucks will need to figure out what to do with Lankinen when Demko returns.

Since Lankinen must clear waivers to head down to the AHL, the likeliest candidate to go is Silovs. He is still waivers exempt, meaning the Canucks can send him down to Abbotsford without the risk of losing him.

In contrast, sending Lankinen down means any other team could scoop him up, leaving the Canucks with a potential hole in the goaltending depth.

Ultimately, Lankinen could be a solid short-term solution until Demko returns, but he does little to solve Vancouver’s long-term situation in the crease unless the club plans to keep him as a permanent backup to Demko.