The player poised to be among the NHL's top free-agent goaltenders this summer is already off the market.
Viktor Fasth, the Swedish sensation who has posted an 8-0-0 record in his first NHL season with the Anaheim Ducks, has signed a two-year extension with the club that will run through the 2014-15 season. Per club policy, financial terms of the extension were not divulged, but Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register reported it was for $5.8 million ($2.4 million next season and $3.4 million in 2014-15).
A veteran of the Swedish Elite League, 30-year-old Fasth signed a one-year contract with the Ducks in May to be Jonas Hiller's backup. But Fasth got off to a strong start and injuries to Hiller allowed Fasth to gain even more regular playing time. The team has barely looked back since.
Along with his flawless record, Fasth sports a 1.78 goals-against average and .933 save percentage. He was named the NHL's Second Star for last week and with a victory in his next start he would tie Ray Emery's record of nine consecutive wins to start an NHL career (set with the Ottawa Senators).
The 6-foot, 186-pound netminder previously played with AIK of the Elite League and won silver for Sweden at the 2011 World Championship in Slovakia.
"Viktor has proven himself not only this year in the NHL, but the previous two seasons as the top goaltender in Sweden," Ducks executive vice president/general manager Bob Murray said in a team statement. "We are pleased to be able to keep him and feel fortunate to have two top NHL goaltenders going forward."
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