The lights ars shining brightly in the Garden State. The Devils have made headlines this off-season. It is highlighted by drafting Simon Nemec at number two overall, and signing former Tampa Bay Lightning winger Ondrej Palat. Tom Fitzgerald made upgrades on the back end as well, acquiring John Marino. The big deal is in net as they now have Vitek Vanecek. Vitek Vanecek needs a new contract, and he signed it.
The New Jersey Devils have signed the goaltender to a three-year contract that carries an AAV of $3.4 million dollars per season. This is huge for the Devils as they now have solidified the goaltender position.
Vitek Vanecek Signs With Devils
We have signed goalie Vitek Vanecek to a three-year contract.
📰: https://t.co/pw4IknW9LD pic.twitter.com/1jt6hE7oYd
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) July 19, 2022
Vitek Vanecek is the new upgrade in the New Jersey net. After having whiffed attempts on Corey Crawford and Jonathan Bernier, Tom Fitzgerald aimed to go younger to solidify the crease. It could pay off as he has had a nice career for himself.
Why Vanecek Earned The Contract
Vitek Vanecek has spent the last two seasons with the Washington Capitals. In those two seasons, he has been able to win 20 games. During the 2021-22 season, Vanecek posted a 2.67 goals against average and a .908 save percentage. His four shutouts ranked sixth in the entire league. His level of play the season prior was still good. Vanecek went on to post a 2.69 goals against average while keeping the save percentage the same. He has been consistent in his game and was Washington’s best netminder.
Vitek Vanecek, signed 3x$3.4M by NJ, has been a bit below-average in his two NHL seasons. #NJDevils pic.twitter.com/0RZiwhX1q3
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 19, 2022
This photo demonstrates his level of play in certain areas of the game. While his numbers have been above league average, he still has room for improvement in some areas.
Why The Contract Is Good For The Team
Vitek Vanecek has signed his new contract. Vitek Vanecek is the right upgrade for the Devils. While management still believes in Mackenzie Blackwood, Vanecek can come in and help form stability and a young tandem in the Devils blue paint.
Vanecek would have been the best goalie on the Devils. The Devils had the worst goaltending during the 2021-22 season and no goalie finished with a positive goals saved above expected. The Devils finished near dead last in goals allowed. Vanecek would have been the best goalie on the Devils roster, and now he can come in and be a complimentary piece to give the Devils a chance to win. It is worth noting the Devils were a top 15 team in terms of Corsi For Percentage and ranked in the top 10 in Goals For.
Now that the goaltending has been solved, it should translate to better success on the ice.
