The Reason Canadiens Signed Goaltender Kevin Mandolese Today Has Been Revealed
Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
Many Montreal Canadiens fans were surprised to learn of the acquisition of 6-foot-4 goaltender Kevin Mandolese by Kent Hughes and his staff.
That said, I believe Mandolese can be a dominant goalie in the American Hockey League, and I also firmly believe he can lend a hand in the NHL if needed.
To some, the signing seemed "unnecessary,"but not so fast!
Acquisition of goaltender Kevin Mandolese by the Montreal Canadiens: a good insurance policy according to Marco D'Amico
We really saw Mandolese as a solid insurance policy in case Kahkonen gets claimed on waivers, and that's exactly what D'Amico confirms here.
"For those asking, I see this as a potential insurance policy should Kaapo Kahkonen not make it through waivers (assuming he is placed there during camp).
Don't want to leave Fowler alone without support in Laval.
Still hockey to be played though."
- Marco D'Amico, on the signing of Kevin Mandolese
Let's not forget there will be strong competition between Kaapo Kahkonen and Jakub Dobes for the Canadiens' backup goalie job.
If Kahkonen wins the spot, Dobes will simply be sent down to the Laval Rocket.
However, if Dobes wins the job, Kahkonen will need to be placed on NHL waivers.
If he's claimed, that's when the Mandolese signing becomes very interesting.
Previously on HabsFanatics
| POLL |
SEPTEMBRE 10 | 1423 ANSWERS The Reason Canadiens Signed Goaltender Kevin Mandolese Today Has Been Revealed Who will be the Montreal Canadiens' number two goaltender to start the season, in your opinion? |
| Kahkonen | 209 | 14.7 % |
| Dobes | 1214 | 85.3 % |
| List of polls |