NHL Rumors: Vancouver Canucks Looking at Goaltending, with Kevin Lankinen an Option

Donnie & Dhali: Elliotte Friedman when asked if he thinks the Vancouver Canucks will go after another goaltender. Kevin Lankinen can still choose but he can wait to see if there is a team with injuries or a guaranteed spot.

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Dhaliwal: “Elliotte, they still have what is being offered in Lankinen. And you, what do you see? Do you see another goalkeeper coming to training camp?

Friedman: “I understand. I think the Canucks would like that. First, it increases competition.”

Dhaliwal: “Yes.”

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Friedman: “Number two, Rick, like, it gives you a safety blanket. You know, I think about Lankan and like, you know, I think one of the things you do when you’re in his situation is kind of wait to see if something develops late.

You know, is there, like, you know, like, is there another situation in the league where you think maybe a goaltender shows up injured, or something happens, where you think you have a better chance or can sign a better deal? So, I don’t think Lankinen cares about the Canucks. I just think at this point in time, he should wait as long as possible, or as long as he feels comfortable, to see what opportunities there are.

But I think you’re going to look at getting out and finding someone else, whether it’s PTO or contract.

You know, the other thing about this is, and you know, you know, Jim Rutherford has been around a long time, so he’ll know how to deal with this, but you’re also always on guard. If you bring in someone who might need to be fired, try to structure your contract or make sure that if you have to fire him, it’s a good time when he won’t be needed.

As one of the things the Maple Leafs did with Martin Jones last year was to put a bonus at the beginning of the season. So people aren’t going to want to pay that kind of bonus, they just let him go through waivers, and he played really well for Toronto last year.

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So that’s one of the things the Canucks will be looking at is,
you know, not really, if we really think we need someone. And they could be a third keeper, but you know it’s possible, you have to plan things or prepare things in such a way that if you really need them, you don’t lose them in the layoff.”