Washington Capitals signs veteran goalie Tomas Vokoun to a one-year, $1.5 million deal –NHL Update
Veteran goalie, Tomas Vokoun, made a great addition to the already top-notch Washington Capitals' goalkeeping line-up, as Capitals signed Florida Panthers' free agent to a one-year, $1.5 million contract on Saturday, day two of the 2011 National Hockey League's
(NHL) free agency.
Vokoun, ranked 10th overall in the league amongst goaltenders with regards to saves percentage of .922, and 19th in goals against average with 2.55.
He had 22 wins and 28 losses last season with Florida, a team that has been struggling to make the playoffs for over four straight seasons.
Washington was excited to add Vokoun on their roster on Saturday.
"We are excited to add an elite veteran goaltender to the Capitals", Capitals' general manager, George McPhee, said in a statement after officially signing Vokoun to the franchise. "We now have a nice blend of talent, depth, experience and youth in the goaltending
position".
The Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic native was drafted 226th overall in round-nine of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft by Montreal Canadiens and played only a single season with Canadiens before being shifted to his longtime team, Nashville Predators.
He remained with Nashville for eight seasons and moved on to Florida Panthers for another four as Predators' main goalie.
Vokoun’s best season came with Florida during the 2008-2009 regular season as he maintained a .926 saves percentage, throughout.
Vokoun hopes to make a bigger and better impression next season, now that he is with Washington.
"I'm very excited to join the Washington Capitals organization", said Vokoun on being picked up by the Eastern Conference’s top ranked team. "It is a terrific team with a lot of talent and I look forward to doing everything I can for us to reach our ultimate
goal in winning the Stanley Cup".
Vokoun joins two of the top goalies in the league as of now, including fellow country native, Michal Neuvirth, who is Capitals' main goalie and backup goalie, rookie Braden Holtby.
Washington also had a third goalie, Semyon Varlamov, which Capitals traded on Friday to Colorado Avalanche for future second-round entry draft picks, thus getting room for Vokoun.
Capitals is still in the process of scavenging the free market for top class players and can now cross-off the goalie requirement after acquiring Vokoun.
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