Arizona Coyotes sign Karel Vejmelka to three-year extension with $2.725 million AAV

The Arizona Coyotes and goaltender Karel Vejmelka have agreed to a contract extension with a $2.725 million AAV for three years.

Vejmelka was a bit of a surprise candidate as a starting option for the Coyotes, as they entered the season with Carter Hutton and Scott Wedgewood between the pipes. Injuries to both goalkeepers allowed Vejmelka to get a shot into the slot, and he was solid, especially considering the play of the team in front of him.

Vejmelka is currently on a one-year deal with a $925,000 AAV, signed out of the Czech League after playing 35 games last season with HC Kometa Brno and posting a 0.911 save percentage. Originally a fifth-round pick of the Nashville Predators, Vejmelka didn’t play in the NHL until this season.

He currently has a 10-23-1 record this season with the Coyotes and a .905 save percentage. While those stats don’t sound incredible, it’s a bit more impressive when you remember he’s won 10 of the Coyotes’ 20 wins this season.

The extension comes after the Coyotes traded Wedgewood last night to the Dallas Stars for a fourth-round pick, confirming that they seem determined to have Vejmelka as the starter or at least play a significant role over the next few years. of their reconstruction.