The New York Islanders have signed goaltender Vitek Vanecek to a one-year contract worth $1 million, according to Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic. The deal provides the Islanders with an experienced veteran presence in the crease as they bolster their depth for the upcoming season.
Per LeBrun, the signing of Vanecek is intended to serve as insurance for veteran goaltender Semyon Varlamov. Vanecek joins a New York goaltending room that currently features the tandem of Varlamov and Ilya Sorokin, giving the team one of the deeper netminding groups in the Eastern Conference.
Vitek Vanecek, 28, has appeared in 163 career NHL games across four seasons. He most recently spent time with the New Jersey Devils and San Jose Sharks during the 2023-24 season. Known for his reliability in a backup or tandem role, the Czech netminder brings a career .905 save percentage to Long Island.
This move by General Manager Lou Lamoriello secures a proven NHL-caliber third option at a low salary cap hit. Vanecek’s presence allows the Islanders to navigate potential injuries or workload management for their primary starters without relying solely on unproven prospects.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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