The Habs are bringing another of their unrestricted free agents back for next season. The team announced on Wednesday that they’ve signed goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen to a one-year, one-way deal worth $1,000,000.
The 29-year-old was brought in last summer on the opening day of free agency on a one-year, $1.15 million contract. Not coincidentally, this was the most they could pay him without carrying any lingering salary cap charge after sending him to Laval.
Kahkonen was expected to be the veteran mentor to Jacob Fowler, who was beginning his first full professional season, while being capable of carrying the starting role if Fowler struggled or was recalled. He wound up playing both of those roles. When Fowler was with the Rocket, the two were nearly platooning. Then, when Fowler was brought up to Montreal, the net was Kahkonen’s the rest of the way as he played heavy minutes down the stretch.
Overall, Kahkonen played in 38 games for the Rocket last season, putting up a 2.73 GAA along with a .895 SV%, numbers that weren’t quite as good as expected. He also struggled in the playoffs against Toronto as they were upset in the second round. Between that and the fact he was exploring overseas opportunities, it’s a surprise that he’s back for next season. Evidently, those other chances didn’t materialize and both sides were comfortable with a reunion.
Kahkonen’s role for next season with the Rocket isn’t as certain. If Samuel Montembeault stays with Montreal, it’s possible that Fowler is back with Laval, at least to start. In that case, recent history probably repeats itself. However, if Fowler is up full-time with the Canadiens, either Montembeault (pending waiver clearance) or someone else not currently with the organization will be sharing the crease with Kahkonen.