After two seasons in Nashville, goaltender Kevin Lankinen will likely seek his next best opportunity this summer via free agency.
Throughout the 2023-24 season, Lankinen was a reliable backup to Juuse Saros & made the most of every day he had. Whether it was practice or working with goalie coach Ben Vanderklok the Finnish netminder put all he had into his craft.
“Trying to keep an open mind and see what’s out there. Eventually, we’ll have the opportunities that are supposed to be there whatever it is,” Lankinen said at his end-of-season press conference.
Lankinen had some career-best performances for Nashville even picking up his first NHL shutout (41 saves) since March 25, 2021, against the Florida Panthers. His most recent shutout––first as a Predator––came on March 21 down in Flordia (33 saves).
Looking back at his body of work to help the Predators Lankinen took down the Dallas Stars twice stopping a combined 45-of-51 shots & went 6-5 against teams that made the playoffs this spring.
It’s no secret that Lankinen loved playing in Nashville. He rejuvenated his relationship with Saros since they last played back home & played on a more competitive team with a deeper pool of players to support him on defense.
Goalie Kevin Lankinen trading place with Juuse Saros on Dec. 19, 2023, against the Vancouver Canucks.
“At the same time, I have so much to think about & so many choices to make. It’ll definitely be on top of the list,” Lankinen said of his future in Nashville.
Saros & Lankinen have shared their experiences together on & off the ice in Nashville. From business to making memories the duo leans on each other with an open dialogue no matter what’s going on.
“The last two years we really developed our friendship, everything I’m really grateful for & everything he’s meant to me,” Lankinen said. “Hopefully he’s had something to learn from me as well.”
Nashville could presumably lean on signing a goaltender or two from free agency this summer while still developing prospect Yaroslav Askarov. Milwaukee Admirals goalie Troy Grosenick shared the net with Askarov this season but he’s due a new contract unless the organization has other plans.
Askarov could be the backup to Saros next season as well. Mitch Korn was announced as a hire a few weeks ago as the director of goaltending. He’ll have more of an influence after previously being with the Predators from 1998-2014.
This offseason teams like the Philadelphia Flyers, San Jose Sharks, Winnipeg Jets, Calgary Flames & Toronto Maple Leafs need a goalie. Lankinen could fit in organizations like those with the opportunity to get more games as a 29-year-old.
Lankinen hasn’t surpassed 37 games played in a season which came back in the 2020-21 campaign with the Chicago Blackhawks during his first crack at playing at the top level.
Wherever his career goes Lankinen plans to take what he knows works for himself mentally & apply it to however long he has left in the NHL. He’s been living his childhood dream ever since he finished playing in the Liiga & signed with Chicago.
“Keeping that mindset to not take anything for granted. When I look back the things I did on a daily basis are what made the biggest difference not only in the seasons but overall,” Lankinen said.
Follow Nick Kieser on Twitter/X: @KieserNick
Photos courtesy of Nashville Predators
Comments