Kaapo Kahkonen talks about self-care and what it takes to maintain his mind and body throughout the NHL season.

The 82-game NHL schedule is grueling. In addition to learning systems, perfecting shots, and making saves on the ice, hockey players need to maintain their bodies and minds off the ice in order to perform at their highest level.

Nutrition, sleep, and mental health practices are all part of a player's routine, as New Jersey Devils forward Ondrej Palat and Timo Meier have previously told The Hockey News. 

Goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen, who was acquired from the San Jose Sharks ahead of the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, spoke about what self-care means for a goaltender.

"I think the biggest thing is the stuff you do before practice when you're warming up," Kahkonen said. "You're stretching, trying to activate your muscles and your body, and get ready. That way, hopefully, you save yourself from unnecessary injuries."

New Jersey's netminders are usually the first on the ice for practice. They stretch and work with goaltending coach Dave Rogalski before their teammates join them. Kahkonen shared that it is up to the individual to get themselves ready.

"I think it is a lot of work on your own, trying to prepare yourself, but obviously, sometimes you need some help as well.

"Obviously, if something does happen during a game, like you get hit by a one-timer, and your neck is a little sore, you go to the trainer's room the next day or even after a game and get treatment. Those guys are the best. They are great at what they do, and they are always going to provide the help that you're going to need."

When it comes to the weight room, goaltenders need be strong but still have the flexibility that is required for the position.

"(When) you think of goaltending, you have to be pretty flexible but also strong, but you don't necessarily have to be able to squat 400 pounds or bench press 200 pounds."

Kahkonen and other netminders focus on their hips, groin, and hamstrings, ensuring they are able to move in the crease.

Curtis Lazar and Erik Haula told The Hockey News that when it comes to maintaining their body, they notice the most significant difference when they get a restful night of sleep. Kahkonen shared that nutrition, sleep, and mental practices are equally important.

"As cliche as it sounds, it is a lot of things that you have to be doing right throughout the course of the year to give yourself the best chance and be in the best shape, condition and mindset possible."

Former Vancouver Canucks goaltender Corey Hirsch was quoted saying, "Being an NHL goalie is 80 percent mental, and the perfect balance is staying mentally alert and sharp while staying physically relaxed. If your mindset in the crease is strong, then your physical abilities will follow almost like a reflex."

Kahkonen shared that while he wouldn't use the word meditation to describe his practices, he does have his ways of staying calm and focused.

"Games are emotional, and there can be events such as (the line brawl against the New York Rangers in April), and it's awesome; you have to be able to enjoy that, but you also don't want to be dragged into that too much because you have to do your job."

Kahkonen appeared in six games for the Devils and is set to become an unrestricted free agent. He finished the 2023-24 campaign with a .898 save percentage and a 3.64 goals-against average.