The Boston Bruins have strengthened their goaltending depth by signing former Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Kasimir Kaskisuo to a professional try-out (PTO) agreement. This move comes as the team faces uncertainty with their starting goalie, Jeremy Swayman, who is holding out due to ongoing contract negotiations. Swayman, projected to be the Bruins’ No. 1 goalie for the upcoming season, has yet to agree on a contract extension, leaving him off the team’s training camp roster. To fill the gap, Kaskisuo has been brought in.
General Manager Don Sweeney announced the signing on September 19, with the NHL officially confirming the move. Kaskisuo, a 30-year-old Finnish goaltender, has spent most of his career playing in various leagues, primarily in the AHL. He has only played in two NHL games, making him more of a reliable presence in the minors. His most notable experience came with the Toronto Marlies, the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate, where he played for five seasons. Last season, Kaskisuo played 13 games for the Laval Rocket, an affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens, achieving a .909 save percentage and a 2.79 goals-against average.
Although Kaskisuo has not yet proven himself as a regular NHL player, his experience and steady performance in the AHL offer the Bruins much-needed goaltending depth. With the team waiting on a resolution in Swayman’s situation, Kaskisuo provides a temporary solution during training camp and the preseason.
The Bruins’ need for depth intensified after trading goaltender Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators earlier in the summer, receiving Joonas Korpisalo in return. While Korpisalo is ideally viewed as a backup, he is now expected to start the season as the Bruins’ No. 1 goalie unless Swayman signs an extension. With limited backup options, including Brandon Bussi and Michael DiPietro, Kaskisuo’s arrival will offer the team more stability in net as they navigate through the preseason and exhibition games.
Leave a Reply