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NHL Notebook: Canucks sign Kevin Lankinen to a five-year extension
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Photo credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Ryley Delaney
Feb 21, 2025, 21:34 ESTUpdated: Feb 21, 2025, 21:39 EST
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The Vancouver Canucks remain one of the busiest teams in the league.
On Friday, the Canucks announced that they’ve extended netminder Kevin Lankinen to a five-year, $22.5 million deal worth $4.5 million a season.
The Finnish netminder went undrafted, making his National Hockey League debut with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2020-21, playing a career-high 37 games with a .909 save percentage and a 3.01 goals against average. After another season with the Blackhawks, Lankinen joined the Nashville Predators before the 2022-23 season, posting a .908 save percentage and a 2.82 goals against average in 24 games last season.
Shortly before the 2024-25 season began, Lankinen signed a one-year, $875,000 deal with the Canucks. In his 34 games with the Pacific Division team, the 29-year-old netminder has a .905 save percentage and a 2.53 goals against average with a 19-8-7 record. 
As of the end of the 4 Nations Face-Off (Lankinen played two games for Team Finland), the Canucks have a 26-18-11 record with 63 points, occupying the final Wild Card spot.

Sean Durzi is set to return on Saturday

According to Brogan Houston of  Deseret News Sports, Utah Hockey Club head coach André Tourigny said that right-shot defenceman Sean Durzi will be back in the lineup on Saturday against his former team, the Los Angeles Kings.
Durzi has played just four games this season after a shoulder injury in mid-October, picking up two assists. He’s been a big loss for the Hockey Club, as they sit six points back of the Vancouver Canucks for the final Wild Card spot while needing to surpass the Calgary Flames in points as well.
Last season, Durzi matched a career-high with nine goals while picking up 41 points, surpassing his previous best by three. The franchise (then known as the Arizona Coyotes) acquired the 26-year-old defenceman from the Kings before the 2023 draft for a 2024 second-round pick.

Connor Hellebuyck and Josh Morrissey won’t play for the Jets on Saturday

On Friday morning, Winnipeg Free Press’ Ken Wiebe reported that Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel said Josh Morrissey and Connor Hellebuyck won’t suit up for the Jets game this weekend. However, Kyle Connor will play against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday.
Morrissey won the 4 Nations Face-Off with Team Canada but was a scratch shortly before the game due to being sick. Hellebuyck played in the game, allowing three goals for Team USA in a loss. Connor was also scratched before game time as Chris Kreider took his spot.
The Jets can afford to lose two of their better players, as they’re one of the best teams in the league this season. With a 39-14-3 record, the Jets’ 81 points top not only the Western Conference but the entire league.
Morrissey has been their best defender this season, scoring seven goals and 46 points in 56 games while playing key minutes. Hellebuyck is on the way to winning his second consecutive Vezina Trophy thanks to a .925 save percentage and a 2.06 goals against average in 43 games.
Thanks for reading! You can follow me on Bluesky @ryleydelaney.bsky.social.
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