If New Jersey Devils strike out, Kaapo Kähkönen is a legitimate option

The New Jersey Devils have quite a few needs this offseason. At the top of their list is finding a number-one goaltender. Reports have indicated a renewal of discussions with the Calgary Flames to acquire Jacob Markstrom. The most recent reports, however, are now indicating some hesitance north of the border. As expected, Calgary is not interested in offloading their top goaltender if not adequately compensated, especially if expected to retain salary. Understandable.

If these reports are accurate, Tom Fitzgerald appears to be weighing his options here. His ultimate decision will be made with the best interest of the team in mind. He will not buy a carriage by selling his horses. Is it a bit strange to hear of suspected hesitance from the Devils GM? A little bit.

For one thing, it is certainly questionable considering how much goaltending has negatively impacted the team during Fitzgerald’s tenure as General Manager. Markstrom is a premier goaltender who would likely make the Devils a favorite to finish number one in the Metropolitan Division if acquired today. But, if Fitzgerald is hesitant to overpay and another team swoops in to grab Markstrom, where does that leave New Jersey?

The team would be forced to look at other trade options and the free agent market. Writers and fans alike have made several suggestions and predictions offering their respective takes on what could be or should be done to fix the goaltending situation. One suggestion seems to have found a home somewhat below the surface: Re-signing G Kaapo Kähkönen. 

The soon-to-be 28-year-old Kähkönen was drafted in the 4th round (109th overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft by the Minnesota Wild. After two seasons in Liiga, Finland’s top professional league, Kähkönen signed his entry-level deal, making his debut in November of the 2019-20 season. He would make 32 saves in a 3-2 Wild victory over the Devils that we are sure frustrated many at Prudential Center. Playing for Minnesota, Kähkönen accumulated a 2.88 overall GAA in 54 GP with a .907 SV%. These numbers are promising as he proved to be a serviceable backup for a consistently effective group in Minnesota.

After being traded to San Jose, Kähkönen netted an underwhelming 3.85 GAA and .883 SV% in 37 GP during his first full season. That year, the Sharks finished 7th in the Pacific and 14th overall in the Western Conference with a -87 goal differential. They finished in the bottom eight in GF/G and had a record of 22-44-16 under new head coach David Quinn. In other words, they were pretty bad. 

The following season, Kähkönen slightly improved, netting a 3.81 GAA and .895 SV%. None of these numbers are desirable, but it’s important to note that the Sharks continued to struggle even more, finishing last in the Pacific with a 19-54-9 regular season record. Kähkönen’s time in San Jose drastically differed from his days in Minnesota. He saw more responsibility in San Jose with a lesser team, which was a recipe for disaster. San Jose did not provide anywhere near the support either Kähkönen or, for that matter, most goaltenders in the league would need to perform effectively. 

When provided the proper support, however, Kähkönen is a guy who is solid. Not great, but solid. Getting him to ink a short-term deal at this point in his career wouldn’t be the worst move in the world that Tom Fitzgerald could make considering Jake Allen will very soon be coming off the books. Having Kähkönen signed with Allen as a stopgap while (hopefully) both Akira Schmid and Nico Daws marinate in the AHL could bode well for the future in net for the Devils. 

However, the waiting period for a legitimate number-one goaltender has been too long and too frustrating. If the pursuit for one fails to come to fruition (it won’t, but if it does), there are options and, based on the above statistics, one of them should be re-signing Kähkönen. Would it be the worst move in the world? No, but it would certainly be a risk. Is it a risk worth taking? It’s just one of the many questions that loom large during these next few weeks.