The minor leagues were absolutely littered with high-end goaltending prospects this season, but only one could take home the Aldege “Baz” Bastien Memorial Award as the league’s best netminder. That honor was given to Kaapo Kahkonen of the Iowa Wild today, after a vote from coaches, players, and media around the league.
Kahkonen, 23, was a fourth-round pick of the Minnesota Wild way back in 2014, but only came over to North America for the 2018-19 campaign. He was named to the AHL All-Star Game and led the league in shutouts during his first season, but took another huge step forward this year.
In 34 appearances, Kahkonen registered a .927 save percentage and led the league in wins (25) and shutouts (7). Iowa ended up with the best record in franchise history, partly because of his strong play in net.
Kahkonen also received his first opportunity in the NHL, playing in five games for Minnesota. The young goaltender posted a .913 save percentage in those games, a good indication that he’ll be able to handle the transition at some point in the future.
Who were the runner ups
Gavin, that keyboard has betrayed you again (Minnesota Wils). I’d recommend the Cooler Master Devastator 3 w/Optical Mouse. ;)
Given the Wild or starting some sort of a rebuild they’d be smart to move Dubnyk this summer and go with a tandem of Stalock and Kahkonen next season. Stalock has been nothing but outstanding as a backup since his arrival and Minny and Kahkonen has more than earned his opportunity to play at the NHL level. More cap space is never a bad thing either.