Montreal Canadiens‘ 9th year net minder Keith Kincaid(35) was recently reassigned from affiliate Laval Rocket to Eastern Conference rival Charlotte Checkers.
The very decently-sized goalie is on a one-year one-way contract after playing a career high 41 NHL games in the previous frame with his only other real contract club New Jersey Devils.
He was dished to Columbus Blue Jackets late last season but didn’t play with them or their farm team to finish out the 2018/2019 frame.
It’s tough to think what’s next for the 30-year old backstop but life could have him look overseas for another opportunity before it’s time to reconsider heading back to college to finish for what’s next.
Keith Kinkaid (1)
Already playing in his fourth season, New Jersey Devils‘ goaltender prospect Keith Kinkaid(1) has been somewhat quietly developing his game with AHL affiliate Albany Devils, where he’s continued to get better and kept the parent club’s vision intact of bringing him up slowly.
He did get into one game in his sophomore campaign.
His team made the postseason for the first time in forever last year and even in a four game losing effort kept them in each game with a 2.26 GAA and .932 SV%.
The 6’2″ 190 lbs. net minder was originally signed to a 2-year entry level deal after a pair of dominating seasons with Union College and two campaigns in U.S. junior hockey, the 25-year old has been given qualifying offers twice to keep him in the system.
He started 2014/2015 on fire, posting a 4-0-2 record with a 1.95 GAA and .931 SV%.
Good enough for New Jersey to make the call officially dubbing him as back up net minder.
He was called into action immediately off the bench and accepted the loss on the one goal he had no chance of saving.
It’s almost a sure bet he’ll get his first NHL start in short order.
Keith Kinkaid (35)
Undrafted Albany Devils‘ rookie goaltender Keith Kinkaid(35) had himself a decent first season going 17-20-3 with a 2.94 GAA and a .904 SV%.
The 6’3″ backstop definitely shows lots of potential and will be under New Jersey‘s watch for at least another season as he signed a two-year entry level deal.
He should get the bulk of the work in net again next year with the AHL Devils and could even get himself a look for an NHL game.
He was recalled on a couple of occasions in 2011/2012 and serve as back up netminder for a 2 week stretch.
Currently he is one of the “black aces” staying at the ready in case they need him as the Devils continue their Stanley Cup run.
