Nomadic netminder Kahkonen back between pipes for Manitoba Moose

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This article was published 28/11/2024 (297 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The American Hockey League season hasn’t reached its quarter point, but it’s already been quite the journey for Manitoba Moose goaltender Kaapo Kähkönen.

“It’s such a crazy world,” said Kähkönen after Thursday morning practice at Canada Life Centre. “It’s a business; I understand it’s part of it… but ideally you’d like to stay somewhere for a little longer.”

The 28-year-old product of Helsinki, Finland, signed a one-year, US$1-million deal with the Jets this summer, expecting to get a kick at the can playing in the number two spot behind 2024 Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck.

Kähkönen lost out on the backup position spot to Eric Comrie and was placed on waivers on Oct. 11 for the purpose of reassignment to the AHL with the Moose.

He was claimed by the Colorado Avalanche, and in one game with the Avs, Kähkönen allowed four goals against and posted an .800 save percentage in what ended up being a 5-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The 2014 4th-round pick of the Minnesota Wild also played two games with Colorado’s AHL affiliate, the Eagles, where he went winless while recording a 2.57 GAA and a .919 save percentage.

Kähkönen’s services are where they were expected to be at the beginning of the season, with the Moose, after the Jets claimed him back on waivers from the Avalanche on Nov. 12.

“Playing for a third different team in such a short period of time is not easy,” said Kähkönen. “It takes a lot of adjusting because every team has different systems in place.”

Kähkönen has only played three games so far during his stint with the Moose, but head coach Mark Morrison said the netminder has fit in just fine with the club.

“He’s been excellent for us since he’s come in here,” said Morrison. “We play with confidence in front of him, and he’s really shored up the backend.”

With two wins through three games with Manitoba, Kähkönen holds a 3.33 GAA and a 0.885 save percentage with the club.

Morrison said what stands out most about Kähkönen’s ability between the pipes is his effectiveness in controlling rebounds.

“He controls the play very well,” said Morrison. “Once the puck hits him, he swallows it up, and there’s not a lot of rebounds left to continue the play. It gives us time to get organized.”

Mason Shaw, who was named an alternate captain for the Moose on Wednesday afternoon, also had some high praise for his former teammate with the Wild in 2022.

“We’re very lucky to have him in our net,” said Shaw. “He’s a voice; he’s got a lot of experience, and as we’ve seen so far in his first couple of games, he’s been very helpful for us.”

Kahkonen, who has more than 140 career NHL games under his belt, has only played one game in the big league this season, but he remains positive despite being a casualty of the waiver wire.

“I’ve been around a few years now, and I’m still learning — that never stops,” said Kahkonen.

Morrison has noticed of the veteran goalie’s optimistic approach despite less-than-ideal circumstances.

“He’s kind of used to it because it’s happened to him a few times now, but he’s handled it tremendously well,” Morrison said. “He’s got a great attitude.”

As Kahkonen continues to settle in with the antlers, his focus will be on starting between the pipes on Friday or Sunday, when the Moose face the Calgary Wranglers for a two-game series.