Anaheim Ducks sign top notch Swedish goalie Viktor Fasth to one-year deal -NHL Update
Anaheim Ducks lacked goaltending depth throughout the 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season and showed that they had the problem as the top priority issue to take care of on their to-do list over the offseason by signing top rated Swedish goalie, Viktor Fasth, to a one-year contract on Monday, May 21, 2012.
With backup goalie, Dan Ellis, not expected to be re-signed after he becomes an unrestricted free agent later on this year, Anaheim Ducks have planned to use Viktor Fasth as the second to Jonas Hiller.
Obviously, being picked up by the North American hockey league is always players abroad wish of only happening and for Fasth, that day has finally come after scouts from various circles termed him to be an elite player at what he does.
"I'm really happy," Fasth told the Orange County Register by telephone from his home in Sweden. "I m looking forward to joining the organization. It's a big dream come true for me."
"For me, the Ducks showed a real big interest," Fasth added. "I got the feeling that they wanted to give me this chance and they believe in me. It's very important to me."
It has been learned that Fasth and Anaheim Ducks verbally agreed on signing a deal with each other prior to the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships.
While many might think that Anaheim Ducks are looking replace main goalie, Jonas Hiller, that move should not be expected during the next season unless Fasth is able to show an exceptional performance compared to the current starter.
Jeff Deslauriers is also a backup for Anaheim and could be in a fight with Fasth over the offseason training to grab the immediate replacement position but nothing officially can be said just yet.
Anaheim Ducks had one of the worst seasons last time around and with an exceptional squad of shooters and defenders, they were unable to get anywhere near the playoff line. Next year will be a real test for the club as fans want Ducks to improve and by signing on Viktor Fasth, it shows they are definitely working towards that.
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