The Winnipeg Jets have placed goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen on waivers, as reported by PuckPedia. Kahkonen, who signed a one-year, $1M deal in the offseason, appears to have lost the backup position battle to Eric Comrie. Now, Kahkonen is available for any team to claim.
This outcome is likely not what either Kahkonen or the Jets anticipated when they agreed to terms. Most believed Comrie, who struggled with a .874 save percentage (SV%) in 10 games for the Buffalo Sabres last season, would be the one placed on waivers. However, the Jets opted to retain Comrie, who signed a two-year deal worth $825K AAV, making this his fourth stint with the franchise.
The Jets delayed their decision due to starter Connor Hellebuyck’s brief absence for personal reasons, which led the team to carry three goalies on the opening night roster. With Hellebuyck returning to deliver a shutout against the Edmonton Oilers in the season opener, Kahkonen was left out, watching from the press box as Comrie took the backup role.
Choosing to waive Kahkonen over Comrie does free up an additional $175K in cap space, but Kahkonen is an intriguing option for teams looking for goaltending depth. If he is claimed, his $1M cap hit is fully buriable in the minors. Kahkonen, 28, posted a .898 SV% in 37 games with the San Jose Sharks last season and finished strong with a .923 SV% in six games after being traded to the New Jersey Devils. His career stats include a .899 SV%, four shutouts, and a 49-67-15 record across 139 appearances with the Minnesota Wild, Sharks, and Devils.
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