The upcoming NHL season promises to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory for Montreal Canadiens fans.

With the unexpected addition of Finnish goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen to the roster, questions have swirled around the team’s strategy and future plans between the pipes.

Why did Montreal’s front office make this surprising move, especially with a stable of promising young goalies already in the system? As the 2025-26 schedule looms—with its relentless pace and unique challenges—new details are emerging that cast this decision in a fascinating new light.

But there’s more to this story than meets the eye. The Canadiens are preparing for a season unlike any other, where the importance of depth and resilience will be tested to the extreme.

What does this mean for Samuel Montembeault’s role as the team’s number one netminder? And how will the fierce competition between Jakub Dobes and Kaapo Kahkonen play out during a high-stakes training camp?

As the curtain rises on a pivotal year, fans are left to wonder: could this unexpected move be the key to Montreal’s resurgence, or will it spark even more questions?

Dive into the full story to uncover the strategy and drama behind the Canadiens’ goaltending gamble.

Sep 25, 2024; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets goalie Kaapo Kahkonen (34) is congratulated by Winnipeg Jets forward Nino Niederreiter (62) on his win against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: Terrence Lee-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Terrence Lee-Imagn Images

When Kent Hughes announced the signing of goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen on July 1, many hockey fans raised their eyebrows.

With Samuel Montembeault and Jakub Dobes already in the mix, not to mention Jacob Fowler, people were wondering why the Montreal Canadiens had signed another goalie for next season.

That said, looking at the 2025-26 National Hockey League schedule, the organization’s strategy in bringing in the Finnish goaltender on the opening day of free agency becomes a bit clearer.

The Unexpected One-Season Acquisition of Goalie Kaapo Kahkonen in Montreal Finally Makes Sense

As reported by DansLesCoulisses, NHL teams will get very little rest next season, largely due to the Olympic Games in February 2026.

This means games will be scheduled with very few breaks, and Samuel Montembeault will need to be rested as much as possible. He will undoubtedly be Martin St-Louis’s trusted number one goaltender to start the season.

“Reducing Samuel Montembeault’s workload was already a goal for the team, and this schedule makes it even more important to achieve that.”

– DLC

Furthermore, the Canadiens will play back-to-back games no fewer than 16 times in 2025-26, so Jakub Dobes and Kaapo Kahkonen will need to step up if the Habs want to build on last season’s momentum.

The importance of the backup goalie will be more tangible than ever-or close to it.

While Montembeault is almost certain to be the starting goalie, the battle between Dobes and Kahkonen for the backup job will be one to watch during training camp, which opens this coming September.