WINNIPEG - In a move that is set to shake up the goaltending depth charts for both the Winnipeg Jets and the Florida Panthers, the two teams made a surprising swap on Thursday, with the Jets acquiring Chris Driedger from the Panthers in exchange for Kaapo Kahkonen.
The deal comes as the Jets look to bolster their goaltending corps, and they are hoping that Driedger will be able to provide a spark in the crease. Driedger, who has been serving as a depth goaltender for the Panthers, has shown flashes of brilliance in his time in the NHL, and the Jets are no doubt hoping that he will be able to bring that level of play to their team.
Kahkonen, on the other hand, is heading to the Panthers, where he will look to carve out a role for himself in the team's goaltending pecking order. Kahkonen has been a solid goaltender in his time with the Jets, but the team clearly felt that it was time to make a change, and they are hoping that the acquisition of Driedger will pay dividends in the long run.
The swap of goaltenders is a fascinating one, as both Driedger and Kahkonen have shown the ability to play at a high level in the NHL. However, both goaltenders have also struggled with consistency at times, and it will be interesting to see how they adapt to their new surroundings.
For the Jets, the acquisition of Driedger is a clear attempt to shore up their goaltending depth, and they will be hoping that he is able to provide a spark in the crease. The team has been inconsistent at times this season, and they are no doubt hoping that the addition of Driedger will help to stabilize the team's goaltending situation.
As for the Panthers, they will be looking for Kahkonen to come in and compete for a spot in the team's goaltending rotation. The Panthers have a number of talented goaltenders on their roster, but they are always looking for ways to improve, and they clearly felt that the acquisition of Kahkonen was a move that made sense for the team.
Overall, the swap of Driedger and Kahkonen is a fascinating one, and it will be interesting to see how both goaltenders adapt to their new surroundings. Both the Jets and the Panthers are clearly looking to make a push in the standings, and the acquisition of a new goaltender could be just what they need to make a deep run in the playoffs.