Lankinen Nominated for Masterton Trophy

Kevin Lankinen has been named as the 2026 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy nominee for the Vancouver Canucks. Awarded annually to the player who best represents the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the game of ice hockey, presented by Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA). 

This season has not gone to plan for Kevin Lankinen or the Vancouver Canucks, as they have clinched their last place finish in the league. However, Lankinen’s continued dedication to his club, his teammates, and to the game of hockey, is what has earned him a rightful nomination for this award. 

Lankinen’s career path has not been straightforward. The 30 year old goaltender began his NHL career only 6 seasons ago after being signed as an undrafted player by the Chicago Blackhawks. After 2 seasons in a back up role with the Blackhawks, and 2 seasons with the Nashville Predators, Lankinen was signed to a 1 year contract with the Canucks before last season. 

In Lankinen’s first year with the Canucks, he set personal records in games played (51), wins (25), GAA (2.62), and Shutouts (4). Lankinen filled a role he was not originally expected to, stepping up to the reins in lieu of Thatcher Demko’s injury riddled season. Lankinen’s exceptional play as the defacto starting goaltender for the Canucks earned him a 5 year, 4.5M aav contract with Vancouver. 

This season has been a struggle for all who wear the blue and green. A last place clinching season has been marred by injury and adversity for the Canucks. However, Lankinen has once again stepped into a role he was not originally expected to, leader. 

Lankinen has embraced all the adversity thrown at him and the Canucks this season, and handled it with the utmost professionalism and perseverance. Taking on key, tough starts for his team during a lost season, and never giving less than his all, on and off the ice. Lankinen has also grown into a mentor for many of the younger players who have joined the Canucks this season, showing them what it takes to be a pro in this league. 

These qualities of leadership and determination are what have grown Kevin Lankinen from an undrafted back up goalie signing, into a pivotal part of a rebuilding Canucks organization, and a quality goaltender.