David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Kevin Lankinen reportedly rejects recent Vancouver Canucks contract offer

Originally posted on Canucks Daily | By Owen Fullerton | Last updated Feb 20, 2025 5:39 PM ET

The Vancouver Canucks might have yet another difficult decision to make ahead of the March 7 NHL trade deadline, as goaltender Kevin Lankinen has reportedly turned down the team's latest contract offer.

Kevin Lankinen has been one of the biggest reasons the Canucks are in a playoff race, and he's proven to be a huge asset with Thatcher Demko's constant injury concerns - and the Canucks are hoping to find a way to keep him long term.

Kevin Lankinen reportedly turns down deal

According to Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal, the Canucks made an offer to Lankinen a 'little while back' but it was rejected by the goaltender.

Reportedly the Canucks made an offer in early January worth around $3 million, but since then possible comparables like Logan Thompson and Mackenzie Blackwood have signed for significantly bigger deals.

Dhaliwal spoke on Thursday's edition of Donnie and Dhali The Team about where the negotiations stand today and said in his eyes, the Canucks have little choice but to pay Lankinen.

Demko, four injuries in a year. The Canucks cannot go cheap with the backup goalie position next year, Donnie, they got to spend money. They're clearly going to have to go outside of their comfort zone to sign Lankinen.

With Demko's health seemingly in constant jeopardy, the Canucks are going to need to have someone they can rely on as backup goalie.

It seems that if that's going to continue to be Lankinen, they'll have to pay up.

Source: Kevin Lankinen rejected Canucks latest contract extension offer: report

This article first appeared on Canucks Daily and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: