Excitement is building in Montreal as the Canadiens make a move that has fans and analysts alike buzzing with speculation. With training camp just around the corner, Kent Hughes and his management team have pulled off a signing that could have major implications for the upcoming season.

The addition of a towering goaltender—standing at an impressive 6-foot-4—has suddenly shifted the conversation about the team’s depth, strategy, and future plans between the pipes. But who is this new face in the organization, and what does his arrival really mean for the Habs?

While the news broke quietly, the ripple effect has already begun to spread throughout the hockey community. Is this a calculated insurance policy, a bold response to potential roster changes, or perhaps a sign of more dramatic moves to come?

The answers aren’t as obvious as they might seem, and the Canadiens’ latest acquisition raises fascinating questions about their goaltending situation and overall direction. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on this intriguing newcomer, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

In this article, we’ll unravel the details behind the signing, explore what it could mean for the team, and reveal why this move might be far more important than anyone realizes.

Mar 12, 2023; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Ottawa Senators goaltender Kevin Mandolese (70) guards his net during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

We have a signing to announce today, a signing made by Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.

The Habs have signed 6-foot-4 goaltender Kevin Mandolese to a professional tryout contract.

Frank Seravalli was the first to report the news.

“A few PTOs to share, with training camps closing in:”

Habs – G Kevin Mandolese
Panthers – F Tyler Motte
Panthers – D Ben Harpur

– Frank Seravalli

The Montreal Canadiens sign goaltender Kevin Mandolese to a professional tryout contract

This could be a very interesting insurance policy in case of injury, or if Kaapo Kahkonen gets claimed on waivers (should that happen).

Welcome to the Montreal Canadiens organization, Mandolese!

Kevin Mandolese, 25 years old, is a Quebec-born goaltender (from Blainville) who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 180 pounds.

He was a sixth-round pick of the Ottawa Senators in 2018 (157th overall) and has three NHL games of experience.

In his NHL career, he holds a 1-2-0 record, a goals-against average of 3.30, and a strong .916 save percentage.

Ideally, he would be with the Laval Rocket, but I can guarantee he would be more than capable of filling in with the Montreal Canadiens if needed.

In the AHL last season, with the Colorado Avalanche’s farm team, he recorded an 11-6-0 record, a 2.87 goals-against average, and a .903 save percentage.

He will be a name to keep an eye on at training camp next week.