Winnipeg Jets claim Kaapo Kahkonen off waivers; can immediately assign him to the Moose

Back on July 1st the Jets signed Kaapo Kahkonen as a potential backup to two-time Vezina winner Connor Hellebuyck. As we detailed previously he lost out to Eric Comrie which meant he was destined to be assigned to the Moose of the AHL but he’d have to pass through waivers which they placed him on back on October 10th.

Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)

With the Avs struggling they made a claim for him the next day but visa delays kept him out of game action. Eventually he was sent down to their AHL affiliate on a conditioning assignment on October 24th. He played two games for the Eagles (0-2-0, .919 save%, 2.57 GAA) and was recalled on the 29th. He made his Avalanche debut on the 30th in a game against the Lightning which saw him give up four goals on 20 shots (.800 save%).

Colorado placed him back on waivers on Monday.

With the calendar turning to November the waiver priority switched as it is now based on current standings which meant the Jets have the 32nd spot in terms of claims. However, none of the 30 0ther NHL clubs put in a claim which allowed Winnipeg to claim him and he can be assigned directly to their AHL affiliate as confirmed by Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet who was first to report that Winnipeg has claimed him back.

This likely means the Moose, who have the youngest goalie tandem in the AHL in Jets prospects Thomas Milic (21) and Domenic DiVincentiis (20), can have a veteran mentoring a prospect and also gives the organization a veteran netminder if needed for a recall up to the Jets.