The Winnipeg Jets have signed goaltender Kaapo Kähkönen to a one-year contract worth $1 million. This addition suggests that Connor Hellebuyck will have Kähkönen as his new backup for the upcoming season.
Kaapo Kähkönen, who split the 2023-24 season between the San Jose Sharks and New Jersey Devils, was traded to New Jersey at the trade deadline in exchange for Vitek Vanecek. Initially entering the NHL as a promising goaltending prospect with the Minnesota Wild, Kähkönen found himself traded to the Sharks after Minnesota acquired Marc-Andre Fleury in March 2022.
The 27-year-old Finnish goalie has faced challenges, particularly with a struggling San Jose team, resulting in a goals-against average (GAA) exceeding 3.80 over the past two seasons. However, during the 2023-24 season, Kähkönen showed some improvement, achieving a .895 save percentage in 31 games.
Kähkönen was in the final year of a two-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $2.75 million and was approaching unrestricted free agency on July 1. Throughout his NHL career, which includes stints with the Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks, and New Jersey Devils, Kähkönen has played in 139 games. His career record stands at 49-67-15, with a 3.36 GAA, a .898 save percentage, and three shutouts.
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