The Colorado Avalanche must have been busy scouting the Ottawa Senators organization the last few years.

On July 1, the Avalanche picked up forward Parker Kelly in free agency. A few days later, they added Erik Brannstrom to the defense. On Monday, Colorado made a trade with the Senators to add some depth to the goaltending position at the professional level.

The Avalanche acquired the rights to 23 year old goaltender Kevin Mandolese, as well as a seventh round pick in 2026, in exchange for a sixth round pick in 2026. Mandolese is currently a restricted free agent and will need a contract. As of this moment, the Avalanche have just three goaltenders signed to NHL contracts – Alexandar Georgiev, Justus Annunen, and Trent Miner. A fourth was necessary, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they added another goalie at some point this summer.

Mandolese has three NHL games under his belt, all of which came during the 2022-23 season. He made the news during his NHL debut back in February of 2023, as he stopped 46 of 48 shots to beat the Islanders. He lost his other two starts, so he sits with a career record of 1-2 at the moment. This is likely a depth move, as Mandolese has spent the majority of the last four seasons in the American Hockey League. In 66 career AHL games, he has an .896 save percentage and a record of 28-28-5.

I can’t imagine it will be that difficult getting Mandolese under contract, and once that happens, the Avalanche will have two goalies set for the NHL and two for the AHL. Colorado drafted three goaltenders in June, but unless Ilya Nabokov makes his way to the Avalanche after his KHL season ends, those draft picks won’t impact the organization this season.

Stay tuned to CHN for all your Avalanche coverage. Rookie camp starts in two months.