The 2024 off-season goalie acquisition quest of Colorado Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland continues! The Avalanche acquired the rights to restricted-free agent and goalie Kevin Mandolese from the Ottawa Senators on Monday (as well as a seventh round draft pick) in exchange for their 2026 sixth round pick.
Last Season
Mandolese appeared in 23 games for the Belleville Senators of The AHL in the 2023–24 season. He posted a 10–9–2–1 record, .901 SV%, and a 3.07 GAA. Mandolese also found himself sent down to the ECHL’s Allen Americans where he recorded a .918 SV% with a 3.53 GAA. Ottawa briefly recalled him to the NHL during the first week of February, but he did not see any action.
What to expect?
Avalanche and Eagles’ fans can expect Mandolese to share the crease with Trent Miner in the AHL. Mandolese, drafted by Ottawa in the 2018 Draft (sixth round, 157th overall), had his highest number of AHL appearances this past season. In 2020, a scout within the Senators organization called Mandolese “A bit of a project, but a smart guy who can put it all together.” With his recent increase in usage, the Eagles are hoping to capitalize on the upward trend of his development.
His history
Mandolese isn’t without limited NHL experience. At age 22 in the 2022–23 season, Mandolese debuted on an emergency recall amidst Ottawa suffering a series of brutal goaltending injuries. His debut inspired, and likely informed, the continued investment into his development as Mandolese made 46 saves in a 3–2 victory over the New York Islanders. That 46 save effort on February 14, 2023, is the second highest number of saves recorded by any rookie in their debut game for a win. He started two additional games before being reassigned to the Belleville Senators that year.
Conclusion
MacFarland has seen the lack of goaltending depth in the prospect pool as a major target for the organization. The Avalanche selected three goaltenders in the NHL Entry Draft last month, and inked presumed NHL backup Justus Annunen to a two-year, one-way, $837,500 extension this spring. Mandolese is the latest addition to a youth movement in the crease for the Avalanche organization.
The Avalanche also gained a 2026 seventh round pick in the trade.
Update: Mandolese has signed a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000 at the NHL level and $125,000 at the AHL level as of July 16th.