In a hockey-crazed city like Vancouver, goaltending has always been in the spotlight. For the Canucks, the debate about how to manage their netminders is heating up.
Thatcher Demko is the undisputed star, but the addition of Kevin Lankinen has made things interesting.
Let's dive into the dynamics of this goalie duo and what it could mean for the team moving forward.
Traditionally, the starting goalie plays at least 50 games, while the backup steps in when needed, usually on back-to-back games.
Most teams stick to this model-it's simple and reflects the financial reality of paying a starter to lead the charge.
But some organizations are rethinking the formula. Look at the Boston Bruins last season: Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark split duties nearly evenly, and the results were stellar.
Their shared load kept both fresh and performing at a high level, though financial constraints eventually forced the Bruins to break up the tandem.
Could a similar approach work for the Canucks? Demko, at 29, is coming off a knee injury and remains the backbone of the team.
His contract at $5 million is a bargain for now, but it's only a matter of time before he commands a bigger payday.
Meanwhile, Lankinen has been a revelation. Signed as a free agent for just $875,000, the 29-year-old has shattered expectations.
From setting an NHL record with 10 straight road wins to posting top-15 numbers in goals-against average and save percentage, he's proving he's more than just a backup.
However, with Lankinen's stock rising, the Canucks face tough decisions. Can they afford to keep him long-term? Would he accept a reduced role for around $2-3 million if Demko gets a significant raise? And where does this leave promising prospects like Arturs Silovs, currently refining his game in Abbotsford?
The Canucks have enviable goalie depth, but managing it is another story. With Demko's health and long-term contract needs, Lankinen's breakout season, and Silovs' potential, this is a situation worth watching.
Sharing the crease more evenly might be the short-term answer, but the long-term solution? That's anyone's guess.
One thing's certain: in the NHL, the bottom line always plays the final hand.
