The Arizona Coyotes have traded goalie Scott Wedgewood to the Dallas Stars for a fourth-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. Kevin Weekes broke the news of the trade while TSN’s Pierre LeBrun added details about the draft pick.
As Kevin said, confirming Wedgwood to the Dallas Stars for a 4th RD pick in ‘23 https://t.co/hT39LxV6iW
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 21, 2022
Arizona also closing in on a contract extension for goalie Karel Vejmelka. TSN’s Darren Dreger reports that the two sides are still ironing out details, but a deal is close.
Wedgewood trade to Dallas is interesting. It’s believed the Coyotes are also closing in on an extension with goalie, Karel Vejmelka.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 21, 2022
Coyotes Trade Scott Wedgewood to Stars
Wedgewood has a 10-14-3 record with a 3.16 goals against average this season. The 29-year-old has a .909 save percentage in 2021-22 for the Coyotes.
He’s played for the New Jersey Devils and Arizona Coyotes in his four-year NHL career. The Brampton, Ontario native has a career record of 20-32-11 in a nice 69 career games. Wedgewood has a 3.11 goals-against-average and .905 save percentage with four career shutouts. New Jersey signed the netminder after his final season with the OHL Plymouth Whalers.
He helped Team Canada to a bronze medal at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championships. He went 2-0 with a shutout in three games during that tournament.
What It Means
The trade seems to be a surprise as Coyotes Insider Craig Morgan reported that both sides were working on an extension. However, Wedgewood got sent to the Stars, who are undergoing changes in their crease.
Jake Oettinger seems to be the goalie of the future and Braden Holtby could be a sought-after commodity. Wedgewood could settle in as the veteran backup or play in AHL Texas if Holtby stays put. Anton Khudobin is out for the rest of the season with injury and Ben Bishop is effectively retired.
Vejmelka looks like he’s the one staying put in Arizona. The Czech goalie is 10-22-1 in his rookie season in the league. He has a 3.35 goals-against-average and .905 save percentage with one shutout.