SJHN Daily: Kähkönen Wants To Be No. 1

Kaapo Kähkönen is ready to be No. 1.

After filing for arbitration with the San Jose Sharks, Kähkönen signed a two-year, $5.5 million dollar contract with the team before his arbitration hearing. The Finnish netminder is eyeing the top spot in San Jose, amidst a flurry of changes within the organization.

“During the short time I was there, everyone was pretty confident about me and I’m pretty confident about myself that I can be a number-one goalie,” he told local reporters on Monday, “that’s certainly my goal next year and moving forward.”

San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier echoed the point in the team’s press release: “Kaapo has shown potential to be a number one goaltender in the NHL, and impressed us when he joined our team in the last part of the season.”

There are three starting-caliber NHL goaltenders in San Jose right now — Kahkonen, James Reimer, and Adin Hill — so Kähkönen knows that the competition for playing time might be fierce, even if Grier trades a goalie before training camp. But his confidence remains high that he can prove that he has what it takes to be the Sharks’ go-to guy.

AT SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW…

IN OTHER SHARKS NEWS…

Catch up with all things San Jose Barracuda in one spot with Nolly’s Notes. (San Jose Barracuda)

Kähkönen isn’t the only one who thinks he can take on a bigger role this fall, but he still has to prove it. (The Mercury News)

What are the Sharks going to do with all of these goaltenders? (San Francisco Chronicle)

Some more discussion about the San Jose Sharks’ moves at the 2022 NHL Draft. (Fear the Fin)

Goodbye No. 23:

Sharks prospect Ethan Cardwell and Michael Raskin sit down with Seattle Kraken prospect Ryan Winterton:

AROUND THE NHL…

Free agency grades for all 32 teams. (The Athletic)

Which goalies should you strongly consider for your fantasy hockey team? (The Hockey News)

As we work through free agency which RFAs are still waiting to be signed? (The Hockey News)

Hockey Canada says they will stop using registration funds to settle sexual assault allegations. (TSN)

Three more Hockey Canada players deny involvement in 2018 sexual assault case. (Sportsnet)

Now this with Edmonton Oilers owner Daryl Katz — hockey culture continues to be gross:

Could the New Jersey Devils land Matthew Tkachuk? (The Hockey Writers)

Current and former Pittsburgh Penguins who are still looking for a team:

Former Boston Bruins defenseman John Gruden joins the team as an assistant coach:

https://bostonhockeynow.com/2022/07/20/boston-bruins-former-bruins-defenseman-gruden-becomes-new-assistant-coach/

The Colorado Avalanche sign prospect Cal Burke:

https://coloradohockeynow.com/2022/07/19/avalanche-sign-cal-burke-to-one-year-contract/

Two former Ottawa Senators — also a fan favorite San Jose Sharks player — sign with the Florida Panthers:

What do the New York Islanders need from their players to find continued success?

https://nyihockeynow.com/new-york-islanders-roster-2021-22-barzal-bailey-beauvillier-gaudreau-miller-lamoriello/

Sakari Manninen signs with the Vegas Golden Knights:

https://vegashockeynow.com/2022/07/13/report-vegas-golden-knights-sign-gold-medalist-sakari-manninen/

The Philadelphia Flyers have a roster battle on their hands after re-signing Isaac Ratcliffe:

https://phillyhockeynow.com/2022/07/19/philadelphia-flyers-re-sign-left-winger-isaac-ratcliffe-ian-laperriere-lappy-morgan-frost-fletcher-leigh-valley-phantoms-contract-signs/

The Washington Capitals have no concerns over Russian players being able to return for the season:

https://washingtonhockeynow.com/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-dmitry-orlov/

A look at Detroit Red Wings prospect Carter Gylander:

https://detroithockeynow.com/2022/07/19/red-wings-of-tomorrow-carter-gylander/

What was the impact of Tyler Myers on the Vancouver Canucks last season?

https://vancouverhockeynow.com/2022/07/19/vancouver-canucks-nhl-hockey-tyler-myers-defencemen/

Will Carey Price return for another cup run with the Montreal Canadiens?

Amid rumors of a Matthew Tkachuk departure, what do the Calgary Flames do now?

https://calgaryhockeynow.com/calgary-flames-rebuild-nhl-trade-matthew-tkachuk-contract/