Kevin Lankinen Earns Masterton Trophy Nomination for Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver Canucks goaltender Kevin Lankinen has been selected as the Vancouver chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association's nominee for the 2026 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. This prestigious award honors NHL players who best exemplify sportsmanship, perseverance, and dedication to hockey. Lankinen edged out teammates Teddy Blueger and Linus Karlsson in a close vote, securing the nomination with his standout character and unwavering commitment.
Inspiration from a Hockey Legend
Lankinen's journey to this recognition is deeply rooted in his early admiration for NHL veteran Marc-Andre Fleury. As a young fan, Lankinen had a poster of Fleury on his wall, never imagining they would become teammates during his second NHL season with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2021-22. Reflecting on that experience, Lankinen shared how Fleury's approach to teamwork left a lasting impact.
"He was a great example for me how to treat not just younger guys, but all the guys in the team, and how to be a great teammate," Lankinen recalled. "It was a cool moment for me, after my rookie year, they signed Fleury, and all of a sudden, he's my goalie tandem."
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This mentorship taught Lankinen the importance of support and positivity, qualities he now brings to the Canucks' locker room. He emphasized that Fleury's work ethic and genuine care for others set a high standard, inspiring him to embody those values in his own career.
Perseverance and Finnish Resilience
Lankinen, who entered the NHL undrafted and faced challenges in his early seasons, attributes his perseverance to his Finnish heritage. He explained that the Finnish mindset, shaped by a history of struggle and independence, aligns perfectly with the demands of being a goaltender.
"It's a good way to describe the Finnish people as a nation," Lankinen said. "We kind of live up there, high up north, isolated and just minding our own business. We're thankful of where we are and we gained our independence through a lot of struggle and a lot of tough times."
This resilience has helped him stay focused amid the pressures of professional hockey, making him a stabilizing force for the Canucks, especially during a season marked by ups and downs.
Supporting Teammates Through Challenges
Lankinen's supportive nature has been particularly valuable for rookie goaltender Nikita Tolopilo. In a position often characterized by competition, Lankinen has fostered a collaborative environment, offering guidance and encouragement. Tolopilo expressed gratitude for this dynamic, noting how it helps both goalies navigate tough moments.
"It's nice to have that type of person around you. It's my first year here and like, things sometimes it's not going well this season for us," Tolopilo admitted. "It's hard. But even today, we spent like, five, seven minutes to chat about last game, how the things go, like he been in the league more than me and like he has seen some tough times too. It's very helpful."
This camaraderie extends beyond the ice, with Lankinen balancing professional demands with personal life. He and his wife Iina welcomed their first child after a difficult pregnancy, an experience that reshaped his priorities and deepened his appreciation for family and hockey.
Recognition from Peers and Community
Teammates have unanimously praised Lankinen's character and work ethic. Brock Boeser, the 2023 Vancouver Masterton nominee, highlighted Lankinen's consistent professionalism and kindness.
"He's just such a good person," Boeser said. "He always asks how you're doing. He's just such a good person to talk to. And every day come to the rink, he's in the gym. Every single time you see him, he's in the gym working out. Really whatever it is, he's always working hard."
Fellow Finn Aatu Raty, who lives next door to Lankinen in Kitsilano, added insights into his meticulous routines, from diet and hydration to unique practices like brushing teeth with his left hand for better coordination. Raty described Lankinen as a "performance expert" whose dedication inspires those around him.
As the 2026 Masterton Trophy nominee, Lankinen represents the best of hockey's values, demonstrating that success is not just about skill but also about character and community. His story continues to resonate within the Canucks organization and beyond, setting a powerful example for athletes everywhere.
