Forward Antoine Vermette has decided where he’ll take his talents to, and it’s right where he was before winning the Stanley Cup in Chicago. Vermette is returning to the Arizona Coyotes, inking a two year deal worth $3.75 million AAV. The deal also includes a no movement clause.
Vermette 2 years to ARIZ, AAV $3.75
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 2, 2015
Vermette was leading the Arizona Coyotes with 35 points before he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks, coming in as a pure rental. He failed to click at first and was even a healthy scratch to start the playoffs, but he turned it around in time to be a regular en route to winning the Stanley Cup.
In his 11 year career, Vermette has played with the Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes and most recently the Blackhawks. While his 65-point season with the Blue Jackets remains his best year, production-wise, Vermette has managed to remain a 30-40 point guy throughout his career, while providing good numbers in the face-off circle, hovering around the 55-57% mark.
When Vermette joined the Blackhawks, his game struggled with new surroundings. He was unable to put up a point in 19 games and his face-off percentage dropped to 50%, from 56.6% with the Coyotes prior to being traded. Vermette was even scratched early into the playoffs but when he was re-inserted into the line-up, he tied a career-high 58.7% in face-offs and added four goals, including three game-winners (two coming in overtime).
Vermette’s Corsi% (48.4) and Fenwick% (48.4) aren’t exactly promising or the best among other free agents hitting the market, but they have improved over the last three seasons, which can be a positive sign as he passes his 30’s. It’s also important to note that his deployment for zone starts has gradually shifted. Since 2011-12 to present day, Vermette has gone from 44.8% offensive zone starts all the way to 51.0%.
