Photo credit: Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports
An official statement has just been released following an acquisition that is clearly being well received within the Montreal Canadiens organization.
Kevin Mandolese signed with the Laval Rocket on July 1.
After an eventful season, the Quebec-born goaltender is finally coming home.
A tryout contract last year with the Montreal Canadiens never led to anything.
This time, the deal is very real for the 2026-27 season.
The past year was an unusual one for the 26-year-old goaltender, who played for several teams, including Syracuse, Charlotte and a club in Slovakia, where he appeared in around 10 games.
“Kevin Mandolese in Laval, at Last”
His ambitions remain high this season.
Mandolese, who has played three NHL games with the Ottawa Senators, ultimately has his sights set on the big club.
He wants to play for the Montreal Canadiens.
Kevin Mandolese sets NHL goal after returning home to join Canadiens organization
Here’s what he had to say:
“Long term, I’d like to be in the NHL and play for the Canadiens.
My mission is to be as consistent as possible in practice and get one percent better every day.”
– Kevin Mandolese
This return carries special meaning for the Blainville native, who had not played in Quebec since he was 16 years old.
He will also reunite with Samuel Poulin, a childhood friend who could very well join the Rocket if his spot in Montreal is not secured.
Mandolese also knows Marco Marciano well, now serving as the big club’s interim goaltending coach, and credits him for a significant part of his development.
It certainly looks like a very strong acquisition and signing for the Montreal Canadiens’ organizational depth in goal.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Canadiens organization confirm 26-year-old acquisition who is finally here for good
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