Here’s a bombshell for hockey fans: the Vancouver Canucks are welcoming back a key goalie sooner than anyone anticipated. But here’s where it gets controversial—this development might just throw a wrench in the plans of those rooting for Team Tank. Could this shift the team’s trajectory in ways we’re not yet seeing? Let’s dive in.
Despite playing behind what many consider the NHL’s weakest defense, the Canucks are making moves that could reshape their season. CHEK’s Rick Dhaliwal reported on Friday that Kevin Lankinen has returned to practice in Vancouver after a brief absence for personal reasons. While Lankinen was sharpening his skills up north, the Canucks suffered a 3-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks in California. And this is the part most people miss—with the team back in action tonight against the Los Angeles Kings, the goalie lineup is anything but predictable.
Initially, it seemed Jiri Patera might get his second start of the season in a back-to-back scenario. Nikita Tolopilo, who started the last two games, posted a 1-1 record with an .892 save percentage, stopping 58 of 65 shots. However, in a surprising twist, Dhaliwal revealed this morning that Patera has been sent down, and Jonathan Lekkerimäki has been called up. This means Lankinen is likely suiting up in Los Angeles tonight, joining Tolopilo as the only healthy goalies on the roster.
Lankinen’s performance this season hasn’t matched his stellar start with the Canucks last year. After taking over as the starter in 2024-25 due to Arturs Silovs’ struggles, Lankinen went 11-3-2 with a .909 save percentage in October and November. Fast forward to this season, and he’s sitting at 4-7-2 with an .880 save percentage. Here’s the kicker—the Canucks’ crumbling defensive structure hasn’t done him any favors. His Goals Saved Above Expected at five-on-five ranks a disappointing 34th out of 62 NHL goalies.
Clearly, the Canucks could desperately use a healthy Thatcher Demko, who’s been one of the league’s top netminders when fit. Earlier this week, Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre reported that Demko and injured winger Nils Höglander were expected to start skating in Los Angeles today. However, the Canucks announced on Saturday they’re skipping the morning skate after playing the previous day, so we’ll have to wait for updates on their return.
As for Lekkerimäki, he’s been on fire during his conditioning stint with the Abbotsford Canucks, tallying three goals and five points in five games, including a highlight-reel one-timer last night. His performance raises questions: Could he be the spark the Canucks need, or is he just a temporary solution? What do you think? Is Lankinen’s return a game-changer, or is the team’s defense too much of a liability? Let’s hear your take in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to heat up faster than a slapshot.
