The New Jersey Devils busy offseason continues as the club announced Tuesday they had reached a 3yr/$10.M extension agreement with newly acquired goaltender Vitek Vanecek.
The 26 year old netminder was due to become a restricted free agent this summer, however his new deal will keep him under team control through the 2024-25 campaign. Vanecek’s new contract will carry an average annual value of $3.4M.
The Devils traded for Vanecek ahead of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, sending the 37th and 70th overall picks to Washington in exchange for the Czech goaltender, and the 46th overall selection.
Vanecek wrapped up his 2nd NHL campaign with Washington last year posting career bests in shutouts (4), GAA (2.67), games played (42) and SV% (.908). Despite having a solid year between the pipes, the 6’2” netminder became expendable when Washington signed unrestricted free agent Darcy Kuemper to a 5yr/$26.25M contract this summer.
The former Capitals goalie will now press incumbent starter Mackenzie Blackwood for the number one role for the new look New Jersey Devils.
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