Colorado Acquires Semyon Varlamov From Washington

[caps05]

The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that the team has acquired goaltender Semyon Varlamov (sehm-YAWN vahr-LA-mawv) from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a first-round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft and a conditional second-round choice in either 2012 or 2013.

“In Semyon Varlamov we are acquiring a highly touted NHL goaltender,” said Avalanche General Manager/Executive Vice President Greg Sherman. “At 23 years old, he is regarded as a solid and talented netminder by our staff. We definitely feel we have addressed our top priority this offseason and for many years to come.”

“Semyon is an elite goaltender who is a key part of our future success,” said Avalanche Executive Advisor/Alternate Governor Joe Sakic. “Avalanche fans should be very excited with this acquisition, as we all are.”

Varlamov, 23, appeared in 27 games for the Capitals this past season, compiling an 11-9-5 record with a 2.23 goals-against average, .924 save percentage and two shutouts. The Samara, Russia native finished fourth in the NHL in goals-against average and ranked sixth in save percentage. Only the three Vezina Trophy Finalists, Boston’s Tim Thomas (2.00), Vancouver’s Roberto Luongo (2.11) and Nashville’s Pekka Rinne (2.12) had a lower GAA than Varlamov.

Varlamov’s .924 save percentage broke the Capitals’ single-season franchise record of .920 set by Olaf Kolzig in 1997-98. Semyon’s 2.23 GAA was the third-lowest in Capitals history.

Selected by Washington in the first round (23rd overall) of the 2006 Entry Draft, Varlamov has compiled a 30-13-12 career record with a 2.39 GAA and .917 Sv% in 59 NHL appearances. His save percentage ranks first all-time among Capitals netminders, while his goals-against average is second (based on a minimum of 3,000 minutes played). Varlamov has also appeared in 19 career playoff games, fashioning a 10-9 record with a 2.49 GAA and .915 Sv%.

The 6-foot-2, 209-pound netminder made his NHL debut during the 2008-09 regular season and went on to start 13 of Washington’s 14 playoff games that spring. He compiled a 7-6 record during the postseason with a 2.53 GAA, .918 Sv% and two shutouts. Varlamov tied for first in the league in playoff shutouts, was fifth in save percentage and wins (tied), and ranked sixth in goals-against average. He became just the fourth goaltender in NHL history to record a playoff shutout before his 21st birthday, joining Harry Lumley, Patrick Roy and Carey Price.

Varlamov appeared in 26 games for Washington in 2009-10, posting a 15-4-6 record. He also appeared in six playoff games (five starts), going 3-3 with a 2.41 GAA.

Varlamov, who was born in what was then known as Kuybyshev, USSR, was named to the 2010 Russian Olympic team as the third goaltender but did not see action in the tournament. He also represented his country at two IIHF World Junior Championships, helping Russia to the silver medal in both the 2006 and 2007 World Juniors.

[HordiBrusk29]

Quite a hefty price tag to say the least.

[thepolishkid88]

Originally Posted by HordiBrusk29

Quite a hefty price tag to say the least.

Horrible deal, he is going to the KHL it looks like.

[Mike Tython]

What a stupid deal for Colorado.

[grits207]

Amazing deal for the Caps. With the Avalanche rebuilding that pick could be a top 5 pick in what is considered to be a very strong draft.

[FightingIsGood]

Either they're signing another goalie or they're going with Neuvirth and Holtby next season.

[caps05]

Originally Posted by FightingIsGood

Either they're signing another goalie or they're going with Neuvirth and Holtby next season.

Both of those guys are young. Hopefully they shoot for Vokoun.

[thepolishkid88]

Originally Posted by grits207

Amazing deal for the Caps. With the Avalanche rebuilding that pick could be a top 5 pick in what is considered to be a very strong draft.

The draft for this season coming up is unreal. Stunned they moved it already before their season had even started.

Stupid deal.

[AvalancheFan]

Hope this trade works out.

Because if it does not, it will look like the Raycroft trade to Toronto.

[caps05]

Confirmed by TSN, 2 year deal for Varlamov for $2.75 million per year with the Avs.

[Canuck22]

the canucks should be able to get 3 first rounders for schneider...what are the avalanche doing?!

[V12_Bi-Turbo]

Colorado getting two solid goalies wow !

[KOd]

A potentially high 1st round pick and a 2nd round pick (I've heard that if it's next year's pick, it's the one the Avs got from Boston) for a goalie with potential. This trade could hurt if Varlamov doesn't realize that potential. If I understand the RFA compensation correctly, the Avs could have have signed Varlamov to a $4.7million contract and only given up a 1st and a 3rd rounder.

[bengino]

Originally Posted by V12_Bi-Turbo

Colorado getting two solid goalies wow !

two? Varlamov was getting bumped down the depth chart by Neuvirth and Holtby in Washington and Giguere can't stay healthy... it's not really a move forward at this point, more like a sideways move.

[caps87]

Quite possibly the greatest trade McPhee has ever made. And then he had to go ruin it and sign fukin Joel Ward for 3 mil a year.