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![\"Ottawa](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/681620.webp\" "\\"Ottawa")
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Photo credit: Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n
An official statement has just been released following an acquisition that is clearly being well received within the Montreal Canadiens organization.<\/p>\n
Kevin Mandolese signed with the Laval Rocket on July 1.<\/p>\n
After an eventful season, the Quebec-born goaltender is finally coming home.<\/p>\n
A tryout contract last year with the Montreal Canadiens never led to anything.<\/p>\n
This time, the deal is very real for the 2026-27 season.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“Kevin Mandolese in Laval, at Last”<\/p>\n
His ambitions remain high this season.<\/p>\n
Mandolese, who has played three NHL games with the Ottawa Senators, ultimately has his sights set on the big club.<\/p>\n
He wants to play for the Montreal Canadiens.<\/p>\n
Kevin Mandolese sets NHL goal after returning home to join Canadiens organization<\/p>\n
Here’s what he had to say:<\/p>\n
“Long term, I’d like to be in the NHL and play for the Canadiens.<\/p>\n
My mission is to be as consistent as possible in practice and get one percent better every day.”<\/p>\n
– Kevin Mandolese<\/p>\n
This return carries special meaning for the Blainville native, who had not played in Quebec since he was 16 years old.<\/p>\n