The Montreal Canadiens have wasted no time making headlines on the opening day of NHL free agency, surprising fans and analysts with the signing of goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen. After moving Cayden Primeau in a trade just hours earlier, general manager Kent Hughes quickly filled the vacancy in net by bringing in the experienced Finnish netminder.

Kahkonen, who stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 220 pounds, arrives in Montreal with a reputation for big-game performances, including a memorable playoff run that saw him eliminate the Laval Rocket. While his stint with the San Jose Sharks may have impacted his statistics, there is optimism that a fresh start with the Canadiens could reignite his career.

With a one-year, $1.15 million contract now in place, all eyes are on how Kahkonen will fit into the team’s plans—whether as a steady veteran presence in Laval or as a reliable backup at the NHL level. The move signals a new chapter for both Kahkonen and the Canadiens, promising plenty of intrigue as the offseason unfolds.

Sep 21, 2024; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen (34) warms up before a preseason game against the Minnesota Wild at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images

Photo credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images

The Canadiens have officially announced the acquisition of a big goaltender on this NHL free agency opening day.

Following Cayden Primeau’s departure via trade last night, Kent Hughes wasted no time adding a new netminder.

The Montreal Canadiens have signed goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen, who was once considered a future elite goalie in the NHL.

Goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen Signs with Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens

Here’s the confirmation from the reputable Frank Seravalli.

“Sources indicate to me that the Montreal Canadiens have signed goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen.”

– Frank Seravalli

He’s the goalie who eliminated the Laval Rocket in the playoffs.

“Kahkonen, who eliminated the Rocket with the Charlotte Checkers, has agreed to terms with the Canadiens, according to Frank Seravalli.”

The one-year contract will pay Kahkonen $1.15 million.

Kaapo Kahkonen, age 28, is a 6-foot-3, 220-pound goalie who was selected in the 4th round of the 2014 draft by the Minnesota Wild.

He has appeared in 140 career NHL games, posting a record of 49 wins, 68 losses, and 15 overtime losses, with a 3.34 goals-against average and a .898 save percentage.

Let’s just say his time with the San Jose Sharks didn’t help his stats.

More details to come.

It will be interesting to see what the Canadiens’ plan is for Kahkonen.

He could serve as a solid veteran presence alongside Jacob Fowler in Laval with the Rocket, or he might end up being an NHL backup goaltender.