The Boston Bruins have signed goaltender Kasimir Kaskisuo to a professional tryout agreement (PTO), marking an intriguing addition to their preseason roster as they prepare for the 2024-25 NHL season. Kaskisuo, a 30-year-old Finnish netminder, is no stranger to the NHL, though he has spent much of his recent career playing overseas and in the American Hockey League (AHL).
Kaskisuo’s career began in Finland, where he played for Jokerit’s junior team before moving to North America to join the NCAA ranks with the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs. His strong collegiate performances caught the attention of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2016. Kaskisuo spent most of his time within the Maple Leafs’ organization, playing for their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. He made his NHL debut with the Maple Leafs during the 2019-20 season, but his time in the NHL has been limited to just one game.
In 2020, Kaskisuo was signed by the Nashville Predators, where he continued to serve primarily as a depth goaltender, appearing in one NHL game during the 2020-21 season. After his brief stint in Nashville, Kaskisuo opted to move to Europe to further his career, signing with Leksands IF in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). His time in the SHL saw him develop into a reliable goaltender, giving him more experience against high-level competition.
The Bruins’ decision to sign Kaskisuo to a PTO comes as they evaluate their goaltending depth heading into the season. Boston is set in net with Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman as their top goaltenders, but bringing in Kaskisuo on a tryout basis allows the team to assess him as a potential option for added depth, especially in the AHL with the Providence Bruins.
Kaskisuo’s signing is low-risk for the Bruins and provides the team with an opportunity to see if the experienced Finnish goaltender can compete for a role within the organization. He will have a chance to showcase his skills during the Bruins’ preseason camp, and while he isn’t expected to crack the NHL roster, his experience could prove valuable at the AHL level or as a depth option in case of injuries.
For Kaskisuo, this PTO represents a chance to return to the NHL and potentially secure a longer-term contract, whether with Boston or another team. His journey through various leagues and experiences makes him a seasoned player, and he will be eager to prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
