SAN JOSE, CA -The San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) announced today that they have acquired goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen (KA-poh kah-KOH-nihn,) and a fifth-round selection in the 2022 NHL Draft (San Jose's original selection) from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defenseman Jake Middleton.

"Kaapo is a quick, athletic goaltender who has shown the ability to win consistently at every level he has played," said Sharks Assistant General Manager Joe Will. "He provides our club additional depth at the goaltending position this season and in the coming years."

Kahkonen, 25, has posted a 12-8-3 record with Minnesota this season, along with a 2.87 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage in 25 games played.

In 54 career NHL games with Minnesota, Kahkonen has a 31-17-4 record, with a 2.89 goals-against average, a .907 save percentage and two shutouts.

During the 2020-21 season, he set a Wild rookie record by posting nine consecutive victories (Feb. 18 through March 16). Overall, he posted a 16-8-0 record in 24 games played.

Prior to joining Minnesota, Kahkonen spent two seasons with the Iowa Wild. During the 2019-20 season, he collected a 25-6-3 record, with a 2.07 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage in 34 games. He was named to the AHL First All-Star Team, selected to the AHL All-Star Game and was named the recipient of the Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award, presented annually to the American Hockey League's best goaltender. He led the AHL in shutouts in 2018-2019 (6) and 2019-20 (7).

Internationally, Kahkonen has represented Finland on several occasions, including helping the team capture the gold medal at the 2016 World Junior Championships. In the tournament, he posted a 4-0 record with a 2.52 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage.

Kahkonen was originally selected by Minnesota in the fourth round (109th overall) in the 2014 NHL Draft.

Middleton has appeared in 59 NHL games with San Jose between 2018 and 2022, scoring nine points (three goals, six assists) and 82 penalty minutes. He was signed by San Jose as a free agent on Sept. 7, 2017.