Avalanche Sign Goaltender to Multi-Year Contract

The Colorado Avalanche have wasted no time locking up new goaltender Alexandar Georgiev, as the team announced a three-year contract extension on Sunday. The Avs sent a few draft picks to the New York Rangers for Georgiev after it was determined starter Darcy Kuemper wanted to cash in on the open market.

Year 1, $3.6 M
Year 2, $3.7 M
Year 3, $2.9 M
All salary https://t.co/yTV0yq81Mk

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 10, 2022

Georgiev will get his first chance to be a starter next season as he'll be in line for starting the majority of the games in Colorado. The new deal carries a $3.4 million annual cap hit. The Avs sent two third round picks and a fifth-rounder for the Russian netminder. 

Alexandar Georgiev, traded to COL, has struggled in a backup role with the Rangers in the past two seasons. Played well in the two seasons before that. He's also a goalie. Lots of uncertainty but a cheap contract. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/lBjryvnywM

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 7, 2022

Georgiev appeared in 33 games last season and finished strong, going 8-1-0 in his last nine games. Overall he produced a .898 save percentage and a 2.92 goals against average. Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic had this to say about adding Georgiev to his mix:

When he was a starter, he played really well, and he wanted a bigger opportunity, and he's got that opportunity. He was looking forward to the challenge. … He played in a big market. He was in New York. He can deal with a lot of that stuff. We're excited for him

Photo credit:  Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports