Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Potential Back-Ups Signed

It looks like the Boston Bruins have made their choice for their preferred back-up goaltender, as they have signed Swedish netminder Niklas Svedberg to a new 1-year deal, reportedly worth $600,000.  Svedberg had a quick cup of coffee with the Bruins in the 2014 season, picking up a win, but was the 3rd-string goaltender behind Chad Johnson, who had a good year as the back-up.  Johnson, a UFA on July 1st, doesn't appear to be coming back for next season.

It's a cap-friendly deal for the Bruins and if you're looking for a cap friendly keeper or you're looking for a depth goalie late in your draft, taking a shot with Svedberg, despite you're likely unfamiliarity with him, shouldn't be a bad idea.

The Columbus Blue Jackets were obviously pleased with what Curtis McElhinney brought to the table in the 2014 season, as they gave him a new deal on Monday.  McElhinney signed a 1-year deal, worth $650,000 and will likely be the back-up to Sergei Bobrovsky again in the 2015 season.  Last year, McElhinney was good enough for 10 wins and 25 points, a solid outing for a back-up keeper.

The Jackets are not hurting for cap space, like the Bruins are, but the team still managed to keep their back-up goaltending at a reasonable cost, leaving plenty of space for more additions, if they see fit.  McElhinney will likely be a deeper option than Svedberg above and likely would be kept as a back-up, even if Bobrovsky was to get hurt, likely giving a shot to one of their young prospects to get some minutes.

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