The 2021 NHL season was always going to be a year of “expect the unexpected”, and that’s absolutely true for Kaapo Kahkonen, who was slated to come into the pandemic-delayed and shortened season at third on the Wild’s depth chart behind free-agent acquisiton Cam Talbot and established backup Alex Stalock. But when Stalock’s lingering injury, long-lasting COVID complications and eventual placement on waivers created an opening on the Wild’s bench, the Wild’s Finnish rookie netminder was promoted to be the primary backup to Talbot.
From there, Kahkonen’s season endured quite the roller coaster ride, filled with amazing, almost Calder-like highs, and crushing, borderline embarrassing lows.