The Colorado Avalanche are one of the surprise stories of the NHL this season, and one of the biggest reasons why is the outstanding play of their goaltender Semyon Varlamov. The Avalanche have thus decided to lock up the goaltender, who could have been a restricted free agent on July 1st, to a five-year contract extension worth $29.5 million ($5.9 million AAV). The move is more than double Varlamov’s current $2.83 million cap hit.
The 25-year-0ld is 26-9-5 record with a 2.43 goals-against average, a .925 save percentage, and one shutout. The 26 wins already tie his career high. In 189 career NHL games, Varlamov is 93-67-23 with 12 shutouts, a 2.57 GAA and .915 save percentage.
“Undoubtedly, Semyon has been an impact player for us this season,” Avalanche executive vice president of hockey operations Joe Sakic said in a statement. “At only 25 years old, he is entering the prime years of his career, and he wants to be part of this franchise moving forward. We are very excited to have come to terms with him and the fact that he has agreed to a five-year extension demonstrates his commitment to the Avalanche and what we’re trying to accomplish.”
Varlamov will also be headed to the Sochi Olympics where he will be one of Russia’s goalies.
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He was acquired from the Washington Capitals in a 2011 trade that saw the Avalanche give Washington two draft picks including a first rounder. Many questioned the move, especially after the first round pick turned out to be Filip Forsberg, but given Varlamov’s play of late there are few left questioning the move today.
Varlamov was selected by the Washington Capitals in the first round (23rd overall) of the 2006 NHL Draft.
