Montreal Canadiens Sign Massive Goaltender to PTO in Unexpected Move

This goalie signing comes as the team fine-tunes its preparations for the upcoming season.

This acquisition reflects the organization's ongoing commitment to betting on local talent while strengthening the team's depth in net.

Kevin Mandolese is from Blainville, Quebec. His junior career took place in the QMJHL with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles from 2016 to 2020, where he had an excellent 2019-2020 season, leading goaltenders in save percentage and finishing 3rd in goals-against average, earning him a spot on the First All-Star Team.

Drafted in the 6th round (157th overall) by the Ottawa Senators in 2018, he signed his first professional contract in 2020. He played 3 NHL games with Ottawa in 2022-2023 (1-2-0, 3.30 GAA, .916 SV%), including a memorable first start with 46 saves.

Since then, he has mainly played in the AHL with the Belleville Senators (where he posted a 3.30 GAA and .896 SV% over his career). In 2024, he was acquired by the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for a draft pick; he played 19 AHL games with the Eagles in 2024-2025 (11-6-0, .903 SV%).

Not qualified by Colorado in June 2025, he became an unrestricted free agent.

Good luck at training camp and welcome back to Quebec, Kevin!