KAAPO KAHKONEN TABBED AS TOP NHL-READY GOALTENDER IN THE AHL

Apr 22, 2020

As part of a series examining the top prospects in the AHL, NHL.com's Patrick Williams takes a look at the best goaltenders in the league who are ready to take the next step. Topping that list is the Wild's Kaapo Kahkonen. 

From NHL.com:

Selected by Minnesota in the fourth round (No. 109) of the 2014 NHL Draft, Kahkonen had a standout career with Luuko in Liiga, Finland's top professional league, before coming to North America. After a strong rookie season with Iowa in 2018-19 (17-14-8, 2.78 goals-against average, .908 save percentage six shutouts in 39 games), he took over the No. 1 job this season.

Kahkonen has helped Iowa to second place in the Western Conference this season. He leads the league in wins (25) and shutouts (seven) and his 2.07 GAA and .927 save percentage each rank fourth. The 23-year-old made his NHL debut with the Wild on Nov. 26 and is 3-1-1 with a 2.96 GAA and .913 save percentage in five games with them.

In his two seasons with the Wild, Kahkonen has a 42-20-11 record with a 2.45 goals against average, a .916 save percentage and 13 shutouts. His 42 wins and 13 shutouts are both franchise records. 

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