Kaapo Kahkonen is considering international options for his next season, according to a report by Brian La Rose. The 29-year-old goaltender has had a nomadic career, spending time with multiple NHL teams and the AHL Laval. Despite being viewed as a third-string option around the NHL, Kahkonen is eyeing a spot in either Sweden's SHL or Switzerland's NL. This decision comes after a season in which he played in only two NHL contests, despite multiple waiver claims. Kahkonen's journey began as a fourth-round pick by Minnesota in 2014, and he was acquired by San Jose in 2022 in the hopes of stabilizing their goaltending situation. However, his numbers have been better in the minors, with a 2.67 GAA and .905 SV% in 20 games in Laval this season. Rather than test the market for a well-paid number three option, Kahkonen is likely to take a pay cut to play closer to home. This move is the logical next step for him, as riding around in the minors isn't something he wants to do moving forward. But here's where it gets controversial... Will Kahkonen's decision to play overseas be a wise move, or should he have stayed in the NHL? And this is the part most people miss... His numbers in the minors are impressive, but will he be able to replicate that success in the international leagues? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments.
