As free agency opened yesterday for the NHL, the Utah Mammoth were the busiest club in the league, signing five players to new contracts and solidifying the roster as we head into the holiday weekend. Bill Armstrong had a plan and went for it quickly after many star players re-signed with their respective clubs. The moves made yesterday strengthened all facets of the team by signing two defenders, 2 forwards, and one goalie in Vitek Vanecek.
Although the more recognizable names were from Nate Schmidt and Brandon Tanev, Vanecek is arguably the most important addition of the bunch. It is hard to forget the question mark in between the pipes with all the signings and trades. Karel Vejmelka will be the starting goalie to start the season, but Connor Ingram's status is unknown at this point.
Vanecek is fresh off winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers after playing just 7 games after coming to South Beach from San Jose where he played in 18 games. The tale of two teams last season as San Jose is young and struggling, while the veteran Panthers won the title.
The 29-year-old has been around the block the past few years but has settled into a backup role, averaging 25-30 games played a season. A former second-round pick, Vanecek is a big body that can cover a lot of the lower half of the net. With age and experience, Vanecek could grow with the right opportunity, and he learned a lot from two-time Stanley Cup winner Sergei Bobrovsky.
Vanecek's career has been solid with a .902 save percentage and a 2.83 GAA in 188 games. Worse goalies have matured into a starter in their 30s. This is Vejmelka's crease, but with the inconsistency over the last two seasons, do not be surprised to see Vanecek have to play some important games.