The Cardiff Devils are adding further championship pedigree to their forward group.
Kristoff Kontos will ice for Paul Thompson’s side in 2025-26, joining from the Nottingham Panthers.
The Canadian recorded 62 points (20 goals, 42 assists) in 67 Elite League, Challenge Cup, and Playoff appearances last season, helping the Panthers end their nine-year domestic trophy drought.
“Kristoff was a key figure in the growth and success of the Nottingham Panthers last season,” Thompson said of his latest addition.
“He has good size and is a smooth skater with great playmaking ability. He plays a strong two-way game and has an eye for the goal as well.
“Adding a top offensive player who already knows the league was a key ingredient in our decision making to bring him to Cardiff.”
Who is Cardiff Devils forward Kristoff Kontos?
Kontos is a product of the Ontario Hockey League, in which he played five seasons for the Sudbury Wolves, Mississauga Steelheads, and Saginaw Spirit.
Kristoff Kontos, Cardiff Devils (Image: Nottingham Panthers)
The 6-foot-2 centreman tallied 196 points (70 goals, 126 assists) in 337 major junior appearances, before spending parts of two seasons in the ECHL.
After a four-point, 29-game stint in North America’s third tier, Kontos returned to Canada for four seasons in USports.
After tallying 72 points (16 goals, 56 assists) in 90 appearances for St. Francis Xavier University, Kontos took his talents overseas — first to France, then Sweden, Slovakia, and finally the Elite League.
Highlights from Kontos’ time on the continent include a 41-point season in the Slovak Extraliga and a 62-point campaign in HockeyEttan, Sweden’s third tier.
The 32-year-old spent last season in the Elite League, recording 45 points (17 goals, 28 assists) in 52 appearances for the Panthers.
Why have the Cardiff Devils signed Kristoff Kontos?
It’s no secret that the Devils have beefed up this offseason.
Thompson moved quickly to add the likes of Cédric Lacroix and Tyson Helgesen (both of tallied more than a hundred penalty minutes last season) — but it takes more than sheer physicality to build a winning hockey team.
Kontos balances Cardiff’s roster.
The Canadian is a natural born playmaker, with a pass-first mentality and the technical skill to turn his vision into reality.
Kontos played a top-six role for the Panthers last season and will expect to fill a similar role in Cardiff.
His only major flaw? Face-offs.
Kontos finished last season under water in the circle, losing 554 of his 1,087 draws.
He also isn’t the “epitome of a power forward” described in Cardiff’s press release.
Despite being 6-foot-2 and 215lbs, Kontos rarely throws the body and isn’t a forechecking specialist.
He’s at his best when the puck is on his stick and his eyes are searching for his next pass.
With Kontos signed, the Devils’ roster is now complete. In September, we’ll find out if Thompson has found the right balance.
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