The New Jersey Devils today agreed to terms with restricted free-agent goaltenderVitek Vanecekon a three-year contract with an average annual value of $3,400,000. The breakdown is as follows: 2022-23, $3,550,000; 2023-24, $3,750,000 and 2024-25, $2,900,000. The announcement was made by Executive Vice President/General Manager Tom Fitzgerald.
Vanecek, 26, was acquired by New Jersey on July 8, along with Washington's No. 46-overall selection (Seamus Casey) in the 2022 NHL Draft from the Capitals in exchange for New Jersey picks No. 37 (Ryan Chesley) and No. 70 (Alexander Suzdalev) in the 2022 Draft.
He completed his second NHL season with Washington, notching his second straight 20-win season. Last year, he posted a 20-12-6 record in 42 games with four shutouts, a 2.67 goals-against average, and .908 save percentage. His shutouts, GAA, and save percentage all led the Caps while his shutout total ranked sixth (tie) in the League. In 2020-21, Vanecek played in 37 games, going 21-10-4 with a 2.69 GAA, .908 save percentage and notched two shutouts. Those numbers led Washington netminders, his win total ranked seventh in the NHL and his time on ice was tenth in the League. He has also played in three career Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Vanecek Signs Three-Year Contract | RELEASE
The restricted free agent goaltender was acquired in a trade with Washington on July 8