Breaking News: Canucks Goalie Kevin Lankinen Takes a Leave of Absence!
The Vancouver Canucks are facing a goaltending crisis as Kevin Lankinen will be missing their upcoming four-game road trip due to personal reasons. The team hasn't specified if he'll rejoin them mid-trip. This situation has led to a flurry of roster moves, adding an extra layer of complexity to their current challenges.
To fill the void, the Canucks have recalled Jiří Patera from the American Hockey League (AHL) under emergency conditions. Interestingly, they reassigned him just yesterday, highlighting the sudden shift in their plans. Fortunately, the team had an open roster spot, so they didn't need to make any additional moves to accommodate Patera's return.
The Goaltending Conundrum
With Thatcher Demko still sidelined due to a groin injury, the Canucks are now without both of their primary goaltenders. This leaves them relying on Patera and Nikita Tolopilo, their top minor-league options, until either Demko or Lankinen can return to the ice. Patera had been Lankinen's backup for the past few weeks, but the Canucks had swapped him out for Tolopilo to give the latter some playing time. Now, both goalies could be in line for starts soon, especially with back-to-back games against the Sharks and Kings on Friday and Saturday, following a game against the Ducks.
Lankinen's Performance and the Bigger Picture
Lankinen has been a key player for the Canucks. Following a solid 2024-25 season, he's maintained his performance in the 2025-26 season. In 12 starts and 1 relief appearance, he holds a 4-7-2 record with an .880 save percentage. His goals-against average (GAA) has increased from 2.62 last year to 3.63 this year. However, a deeper dive reveals that Lankinen has faced some of the league's worst defensive support. Among the 40 goalies with at least nine appearances this season, Lankinen's expected GAA of 3.65 ranks second-highest.
The Road Ahead: A Potential Disaster?
Combining a shaky defense with untested goaltending depth could spell trouble for the Canucks on this road trip. Patera, despite being a No. 3 option, lacks significant NHL experience. In his previous call-up, he allowed 7 goals on 40 shots against the Panthers on November 17, resulting in an .825 save percentage and a 7.39 GAA. This brought his career stats to a 3-4-1 record, an .892 save percentage, and a 4.01 GAA in nine appearances. His other eight appearances were with the Golden Knights during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.
Could this be a turning point for the Canucks? What are your thoughts on the team's goaltending situation and their chances on this road trip? Share your opinions in the comments below!
