Keith Kinkaid Bio
Keith Patrick Kinkaid is an American professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Deer Lake Red Wings of the Central West Senior Hockey League. Undrafted by teams in the National Hockey League (NHL), Kinkaid has built a long professional career through the New Jersey Devils, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, and Colorado Avalanche organizations. Known for his steady presence between the pipes, he has spent more than a decade moving between the NHL and the American Hockey League (AHL).
Early Life and Background
Keith Patrick Kinkaid was born on July 4, 1989, in Farmingville, New York. Raised on Long Island, he grew up in a region with a deep hockey tradition and developed his love for the game at a young age. He attended Sachem High School East, graduating in 2007, where he played junior hockey in the surrounding amateur circuits.
After high school, Kinkaid joined the St. Louis Bandits of the North American Hockey League for the 2008-09 season. That year proved to be a turning point in his development. In February 2009, he committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at Union College, signaling his arrival as a serious collegiate prospect.
Path to Hockey
During his lone season with the St. Louis Bandits, Kinkaid emerged as one of the top goaltenders in the NAHL. He led all NAHL goaltenders in wins, goals-against average, save percentage, and shutouts. His performance earned him the league’s MVP and Goaltender of the Year honors, and he was nominated for the Dave Tyler Junior Player of the Year Award.
Kinkaid then transitioned to Union College of ECAC Hockey, where he played from 2009 to 2011. As a freshman, he was named to the ECAC All-Rookie Team and Third Team. His sophomore season was even stronger: he posted a 25-10-3 record, led the Dutchmen to their first NCAA tournament appearance, and was recognized as an AHCA East First-Team All-American, an All-ECAC Hockey First Team selection, and the winner of the Ken Dryden Award as the best goaltender in the ECAC.
Keith Kinkaid Career
Early Career (2011-2014)
Kinkaid signed an entry-level contract with the New Jersey Devils in April 2011 after his sophomore season at Union College. He was assigned to the Devils’ AHL affiliate, the Albany Devils, for the 2011-12 season. He made his professional debut on October 9, 2011, and earned his first career win on October 14, a 3-2 shootout victory over the Connecticut Whale. He was briefly recalled to the NHL that October as a backup for Johan Hedberg but did not appear in a game before being returned to Albany.
In the final stages of the 2012-13 season, Kinkaid was recalled from Albany and made his NHL debut in a relief role with New Jersey on March 5, 2013, against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Prudential Center. He spent all of the following season with the Albany Devils before being recalled in 2014.
New Jersey Devils Breakthrough (2014-2019)
Kinkaid spent the next several years developing between New Jersey and Albany. On June 29, 2017, he re-signed with the Devils, and during the 2017-18 season he earned an extended look after starter Cory Schneider suffered a groin injury on January 23, 2018. Kinkaid posted a 2.77 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage while serving as the starter. On April 5, 2018, he made 30 saves to help the Devils beat the Toronto Maple Leafs and clinch their first playoff spot since 2012.
On February 25, 2019, Kinkaid was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a 2022 fifth-round draft pick. Acquired as insurance behind Sergei Bobrovsky and Joonas Korpisalo, he remained on the roster as the third-choice goaltender and did not make an appearance with Columbus.
Montreal Canadiens Era (2019-2020)
As a free agent from the Blue Jackets, Kinkaid signed a one-year, $1.75 million contract with the Montreal Canadiens on July 1, 2019. After playing six games for the Canadiens and posting a .875 save percentage, he was placed on waivers on December 2. After going unclaimed, he was assigned to the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket. On February 29, 2020, Kinkaid was reassigned on loan to the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL, the primary affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes.
New York Rangers Era (2020-2021)
Kinkaid left the Canadiens organization after one season and signed a two-year, $1.65 million contract with the New York Rangers on October 9, 2020. He made his Rangers debut on March 7, 2021, in a 5-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Boston Bruins Era (2022-2023)
As a free agent from the Rangers, Kinkaid signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Boston Bruins on July 13, 2022. During the 2022-23 season, he was reassigned to the AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins. On November 2, 2022, he was recalled from Providence following a lower-body injury to Jeremy Swayman. He made his Bruins debut on November 12, 2022, collecting 30 saves in a 3-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. He earned 8 wins through 20 appearances with Providence after returning to the AHL.
Colorado Avalanche Era (2023)
On February 25, 2023, Kinkaid was traded by the Bruins to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Shane Bowers. He was immediately assigned to the AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles, before being recalled to make his lone appearance in relief of Alexander Georgiev in a 7-3 defeat to the Dallas Stars on March 4, 2023. He later returned to the Eagles, playing in seven regular-season games before ending the season on the Avalanche playoff roster.
Return to New Jersey (2023-2024)
As a free agent, Kinkaid initially signed a one-year contract with the AHL independent club, the Chicago Wolves, on July 18, 2023. Before playing a game for Chicago, he signed a one-year, two-way contract to return to the New Jersey Devils on September 13, 2023. On October 18, he was assigned to the Chicago Wolves after clearing waivers.
Driving Style and Strengths
Listed at 6 feet 3 inches and 190 pounds, Kinkaid uses his size to cover the lower portion of the net effectively. His development path through the NAHL, Union College, and the AHL has shaped a calm, technically sound goaltending style built on positioning and rebound control.
Notable Events and Milestones
Kinkaid’s signature NHL moment came on April 5, 2018, when his 30-save performance against the Toronto Maple Leafs helped the New Jersey Devils clinch their first playoff spot since 2012. He is also one of the few American-born goaltenders to play for five Original-Six or major NHL franchises without ever being drafted.
Keith Kinkaid Career Wins
Across his professional career, Keith Patrick Kinkaid has compiled victories in the AHL, NHL, and senior amateur ranks, highlighted by his first professional win on October 14, 2011, and his role in New Jersey’s 2018 playoff push. He has added appearances with Providence, the Colorado Eagles, the Chicago Wolves, the Laval Rocket, and the Charlotte Checkers.
NHL Highlights
Kinkaid’s most memorable NHL win came on April 5, 2018, when he stopped 30 shots against the Toronto Maple Leafs to help the New Jersey Devils clinch a playoff berth. He also earned a 3-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres in his Boston Bruins debut on November 12, 2022, making 30 saves.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond the NHL, Kinkaid posted 25 wins during his sophomore season at Union College and led the St. Louis Bandits in wins and shutouts during the 2008-09 NAHL season. He later joined the Deer Lake Red Wings of the Central West Senior Hockey League.
Keith Kinkaid Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public details about Keith Patrick Kinkaid’s family background are limited. He was raised in Farmingville, New York, and developed his hockey career on Long Island.
Personal Life
Keith Patrick Kinkaid stands 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 190 pounds. He catches with his left hand and has spent most of his professional life between New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Keith Patrick Kinkaid is playing for the Deer Lake Red Wings of the Central West Senior Hockey League. After spending 2024-25 split between a professional tryout with the New York Islanders, the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL, and the Savannah Ghost Pirates of the ECHL, he returned to senior hockey in 2025. The 2025 campaign represents a fresh chapter in his long professional journey.
Kinkaid’s veteran experience from more than a decade of professional hockey gives the Deer Lake Red Wings a dependable netminder. His familiarity with high-pressure games and multiple NHL organizations makes him a stabilizing presence in the CWSHL. He is expected to handle a heavy workload for the Red Wings.