The Winnipeg Jets have acquired goaltender Chris Driedger from the Florida Panthers in exchange for goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen. The move is a one-for-one goaltender swap that is a depth move for both teams.
Driedger, 30, is from Winnipeg, Manitoba, and will report directly to the Jets’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Manitoba Moose. Assuming Kahkonen will also report to the Panthers’ AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers.
Driedger has 67 games of NHL experience between the Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers, and the Seattle Kraken. He brings 212 games of AHL experience with a career .911 save percentage (SV%) and 2.73 goals-against average (GAA).
Driedger will split the crease with Domenic DiVincentiis as the Moose get into the closing months of the 2024-25 season.
The Moose currently sit eight points back of the Rockford IceHogs for a spot in the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs with 19 games left in their season.
As for Kahkonen, he’s had quite the season since signing with Winnipeg on July 1st. On October 10th, he was claimed on waivers by the Colorado Avalanche only to be reclaimed by Winnipeg on November 11th. Now, Kahkonen finds himself heading south and joining the Florida Panthers organization.
Kahkonen, 28, brings 140 games of NHL experience and 97 games of AHL experience to the Panthers organization.
He’ll rejoin former teammate Vitek Vanacek in Florida, both Vanacek and Kahkonen spent the 2023-24 season in New Jersey together. The Panthers bring the familiar teammates back together as they look to go on a deep playoff run of their own.
ITR 32: The Final Countdown – Inside The Rink
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