Devils interim head coach Travis Green confirms Kaapo Kahkonen will make his Devils debut against the Rangers.

New Jersey Devils interim head coach Travis Green confirmed newly acquired goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen will make his Devils debut Monday night at MSG against the New York Rangers.

"Yes, he will (start)," Green said. "Get him back into the groove and not over think it. Go out and play and enjoy it."

The Devils sent Vitek Vanecek and a 7th-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft to the San Jose Sharks to acquire the 27-year-old goaltender. The move reunites Vanecek with Mackenzie Blackwood.

When general manager Tom Fitzgerald discussed the trade, he emphasized the need for flexibility. While Vanecek is under contract for another season, Kahkonen will be an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the 2023-24 campaign.

"This off-season gives us a chance to look at the market, what's going to be available this summer, and really add something we haven't had here in a while. That's the goal," he said. "This is an opportunity to set ourselves up this summer to have the cap space for a position of need. And quite honest, be big game hunting."

Knowing that he would be an unrestricted free agent, the Helsinki native knew he could possibly finish the season with a different team.

"It's always a little shock when you get traded. I knew to expect it this time around," he said. "My contract is up after this year. That's usually the case for those players, you could get traded. I found out, pretty quick turnaround. Now I'm here. Everything has been pretty good. The players and staff have been really welcoming. I'm really happy to be here."

Kahkonen has a record of 6-20-3 in 31 games with the Sharks this season, with a goals-against average of 3.81 and a save percentage of .895. His last game was on March 5 against the Dallas Stars. He made 33 saves on 40 shots in his team's 7-6 overtime loss.

"At the end of the day, you just try to do your job as best as you can," Kahkonen said. "Try to battle. Try to give the guys a chance. Some games you may have to make 50 saves. Some games you may have to make 20. Whether it's 50 saves or 20, you have to be dialed in and try to do your job."

Monday night will be Kahkonen's first career game against the Rangers. On the other side of the ice will be veteran Jonathan Quick.

Kahkonen will look to backstop his team to their first victory over their Hudson River rivals this season. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 P.M. and will be broadcast on MSGN.