Exit Interview: Kahkonen Talks ‘Frustrating’ Season, Going Outside for Help

In his first full season with the San Jose Sharks, goaltender Kaapo Kakonen didn’t perform as well as when he was acquired at the 2021-22 trade deadline.

Kahkonen appeared in 11 games for the Sharks last year, which wasn’t his best record, but a 2.86 GAA and .916 save % backed up his strong play. However, this season, Kakonen has seen a clear dip from the previous season, with his GAA of 3.85 and save percentage of .883 in his 37 games.

Of course, the transition from Bob Bower to David Quinn was slightly leaky team defense.

But Kakonen knows he has to play more than that. He’s currently the only experienced goalkeeper to sign with the Sharks after this season, so he should get the chance.

San Jose Sharks GM Mike Greer spoke of Karkonnen, acknowledging his struggles this year but praising his progress during the season. rice field.

Exit Interview: Greer on Carlson’s Deal, How Sharks Get Better, Not Bringing Rymer Back, and More (+)

In his exit interview, Kakonen talked about the season he was “frustrated” by seeking help outside the shark organization, and his best play of the season.

Read the full interview with Kaapo Kahkonen here

On how Kaapo Kahkonen felt this season:

Well, it’s disappointing and frustrating, but first of all, it’s an overall impression after the end of this season. Obviously, like you said, there’s always something to learn from moments like this and games and seasons. [when] Mentally, physically, and game-wise, things don’t go your way. Heading into the end of the year, there are some structural things I’m feeling. There may be some things that other people cannot see, but what I value is that you can feel the improvement yourself. By continuing to do that, I feel like I can save myself and move forward.

On what Karkonnen worked on during the season:

I would rather not enter them [specifics]Obviously those are things that we discussed with our goaltending coaches and then with other people who are strength coaches upstairs and so on. , is something that helps you manage better and become more square.

Kakonen on whether he stepped outside the San Jose Sharks organization to coach or left everything at home:

yeah outside [too].

On Kakonnen’s confidence in the organization’s direction:

sure, i think [Grier has] I made many good decisions. That’s not what I’m thinking. Obviously, it’s not my job. My job is to come back better and be one of the pieces to help the team move in that direction. He’s seen the way this team plays and has probably had a little more time to react to certain things than he did last summer.

Karkonnen said of what he felt was the best stretch of the season:

I think the second half of the year has definitely been a lot better and I feel better. Again, I have no clue about the numbers. i don’t see them That’s all I care about other than winning or losing. 2 points every night.

There were a few more victories later in the year.

Maybe this stretches around the All-Star break. I think there was a good stretch there.

Obviously, deadlines are like everything in the room mixed together, and that’s normal.there after that [were good games]It’s important to see the good games and the good moments, but what you know, what you need to do better, what went wrong there, what you could have done in those moments and games. Understanding is also important.. I think it’s important to look at both sides.