Jets make third-string goalie swap

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This article was published 06/03/2025 (214 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg Jets have made a move which they hope will bolster their goaltending depth, acquiring Winnipegger Chris Driedger from the Florida Panthers for Kaapo Kahkonen on Thursday afternoon.

Driedger, 30, has spent the bulk of this season with the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League, posting a record of 10-6-4 with a 2.97 goals-against average and .878 save percentage in 20 games.

He’s appeared in 67 NHL games with the Ottawa Senators, Seattle Kraken and Panthers.

Kahkonen was signed by the Jets as a free agent and while he was claimed off waivers by the Colorado Avalanche in October and appeared in one game with them before he was claimed back off waivers by the Jets.

Kahkonen appeared in 22 games with the Manitoba Moose of the AHL, going 6-14 with a 3.29 goals-against average and .885 save percentage.

Driedger will report to the Moose and share the crease with Dom DiVincentiis, who is having a strong season as a rookie pro.

Earlier in the day, the Jets signed 2023 fifth-round pick Jacob Julien to an entry-level contract that kicks in next season.

Julien, 20, has 10 goals and 45 points in 58 games with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League.