Senators sign goaltender Kevin Mandolese to entry-level contract

OTTAWA - The Ottawa Senators (@Senators) have signed goaltender Kevin Mandolese to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Mandolese, 19, recently completed his fourth major junior season with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Cape Breton Eagles where he led QMJHL goaltenders in save percentage (.925) while ranking third in goals-against average (2.33).

"Kevin worked hard this past season to become one of the top goaltenders in the QMJHL," said Ottawa Senators general manager Pierre Dorion. "He's positionally sound, has good lateral mobility and has proven adept at reading the play. Since being drafted, he's been diligent about understanding what he needs to do both on and off the ice to be ready to be a pro goaltender. He's shown an ability to make timely saves and, with more seasoning, should have an opportunity to secure wins for this team in the future."

A native of Blainville, Que., Mandolese posted a 26-8-1 record while earning two shutout victories over 37 games in 2019-20. He was recognized as the QMJHL Goaltender of the Month for December and also earned an honourable mention for the months of January and February. He concluded the season by way of recording a victory in 18 of his last 21 appearances dating to Dec. 28.

In registering 86 victories to date with Cape Breton, he ranks second among all-time Eagles goaltenders, while his six shutout wins see him sit third on the franchise's all-time ledger.

Mandolese was the Senators sixth-round pick (157th overall) in the 2018 NHL Draft in Dallas.

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