Avalanche Claim Goalie Kaapo Kahkonen off Waivers

The Avalanche added a goaltender on Friday, claiming Kaapo Kahkonen off waivers from the Winnipeg Jets.

Kahkonen, 28, is on a one-year deal with a $1 million AAV. He was signed as a third-string goalie behind Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck and backup Eric Comrie over the offseason.

“It’s a player with experience. He’s played well in places before, and he’s free and we’ve got room,” head coach Jared Bednar said.

The claim says a lot about what Colorado feels about its goaltending. In Wednesday’s 8-4 opening night loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, starter Alexandar Georgiev was pulled after the second period. He allowed five goals on 16 shots. His backup, Justus Annunen didn’t do any better. Despite Mikko Rantanen’s early third-period goal to pull the Avs within a goal, Annunen ended up surrendering two goals on just five shots.

“We don’t know how it’s going to play out. We’ve seen better from our goalies than we’ve seen here recently,” Bednar sad. “And if they can elevate their game, great. If Kahkonen can come in and play well, great. It’s about winning hockey games.”

Kahkonen is currently going through the immigration process so there’s no update yet on when he’ll join the team.

But when he does, he’ll be reunited with an old friend in Rantanen. Kahkonen’s stall in the practice rink dressing room will likely be side-by-side with Rantanen in the stall often reserved for the third goalie.

“We’re the same age. We skated together in the summer, and we won the World Juniors together,” Rantanen said of his fellow Finn. “So, yeah, it’s good to have him. I think he’s a good goalie.”