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Maple Leafs choose Cayden Primeau over Kaapo Kahkonen

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Oct 7, 2025 12:24 PM ET

Last summer, the Canadiens turned to Kaapo Kahkonen to bring depth to the organization in front of the net, and from what we understand, the plan was always to send him to Laval to back up Jacob Fowler. But he also wanted to be a better insurance policy in the NHL, should the need arise. And it worked: Kahkonen was not called up for the waivers in the last few days. In the organization chart, he therefore replaces Cayden Primeau, that goaltender too strong for the AHL, but not exactly calibrated for the game of the best league in the world. The Habs gave up on him in the last few months, sending him to Carolina. Primeau, unlike Kahkonen, was claimed. This means that, for the franchise’s #2 goaltender at the start of the season, the Maple Leafs have chosen to put their trust in the Canadiens’ former goaltender.

The Toronto Maple Leafs today announced their opening day roster submission.

Forwards Sammy Blais Max Domi Calle Järnkrok Dakota Joshua Matthew Knies Steven Lorentz Matias Maccelli Auston Matthews Bobby McMann William Nylander Jacob Quillan Nicholas Robertson Nicolas Roy John… – Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) October 6, 2025

Is it because Primeau is making less money than Kahkonen ($775,000 VS $1,150,000) this season? That’s probably it, as the club is $150,000 under the salary cap. Do the Maple Leafs like Primeau’s potential and think a change of scenery will do him good? Does the club want a goalie who could easily leave when Joseph Woll returns from his absence?

Leafs goalie Joseph Woll will be taking a personal leave of absence, the team announced pic.twitter.com/NxMnZcXquH

– B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) September 23, 2025

Maybe that was part of the decision. That said, it’s worth remembering that the Maple Leafs could also have offered James Reimer a contract instead of releasing him from his trial. Instead, Primeau was chosen. content-ads]

After claiming Cayden Primeau off waivers earlier today, the Leafs announce they have released James Reimer from his professional tryout @TSN_Sports

– Mark Masters (@markhmasters) October 6, 2025

Whatever the reason, the fact remains that the Maple Leafs, in an important year, chose Primeau as their #2 goaltender. It says a lot about the way the club is built. The stars don’t take discounts there. In fact, that’s not all. This summer, the Maple Leafs also offered Michael Pezzetta (who never played) a two-year contract – before trading him to the AHL. And they claimed Samuel Blais, who would have been the 14th forward here, at the waivers to play him. The Maple Leafs like players who no longer belong in Montreal. Will Joshua Roy have to look for an apartment in the Queen City soon?

’en

– It smells like the end for him.

In submitting their Opening Day roster, Vegas declared future Hall-of-Famer Alex Pietrangelo out for the season and playoffs (with approval of the NHL, NHLPA & player).

The Golden Knights are eligible for full cap relief. – Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 7, 2025

– Of course.

9:45 am this morning in Brossard.

Who’s the first player on the ice?#GoHabsGo #Hutson pic.twitter.com/JDgucLFE4j– Patrick Guillet (@PatGuillet) October 7, 2025

– Historic.