The Seattle Kraken signed free agent goaltender Philipp Grubauer to a six-year contract worth $35.4 million. The contract carries a salary-cap hit of $5.9 million.
Grubauer to SEA 6x$5.9M
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 28, 2021
Philipp Grubauer Signed With the Kraken
Over his nine-year NHL career, Grubauer suited up for both the Washington Capitals and Colorado Avalanche. In that span, he accumulated 214 career appearances, including 187 starts. He registered 109 wins and an overall record of 109-61-21 with 18 shutouts. Originally drafted in the fourth round, 112th overall in the 2010 NHL draft by the Capitals, Grubauer also possesses a postseason record of 19-11.
In the regular season, Grubauer holds a strong .920 career save percentage and a 2.34 goals-against-average. His playoff numbers impress nearly as much too, sitting at .913 save percentage and 2.50 GAA. He received a nomination for the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goaltender this year too, after posting a career-high seven shutouts and a 30-9-1 record. His performance was a major contributing factor to the Avalanche and their President’s Trophy-winning season.
In 2017-18, Grubauer won a Stanley Cup with the Capitals as their backup goaltender. He transitioned into a starting role when joining the Avalanche after that year, but injuries and strong play from the team’s backup did limit his regular-season starts slightly. But, when healthy in the postseason, Grubauer has started every game available.
What This Means for the Future
Philipp Grubauer signed his first three NHL contracts in Washington, which carried him through six seasons. He played a limited role in his time there but had strong statistics year after year. That consistency attracted the Avalanche to pursue him, and he has not disappointed. In three years with the Avs, his save percentage fell no lower than .916 percent. That consistency removed all question marks from the crease in Denver, allowing the team to focus on their offensive creativity. Head coach Jared Bednar runs a tight system though as well, and their dynamic defencemen provide a lot of help to their goaltender.
With Grubauer between the pipes, the goaltending position can basically be out of sight, out of mind. He’s never been leaned on for a really heavy workload. That being said, his consistency makes one believe the potential is there. His quality start percentage sat at a strong .667 percent last season, albeit on an elite Avalanche team. But at 29 years old, Grubauer still has plenty to give and with concern towards potential longevity. He should be a major contributor to his team next year, too.
The question for the Kraken now will be do they move a goaltender considering they have three starters on the team.
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