Washington Signs Goaltender Tomas Vokoun

[caps05]

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have signed free agent goaltender Tomas Vokoun to a one-year contract, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today.

"We are excited to add an elite veteran goaltender to the Capitals," said McPhee. "We now have a nice blend of talent, depth, experience and youth in the goaltending position."

Vokoun, 34, completed his 13th NHL season while posting a record of 22-28-5 with a 2.55 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage in 57 games with the Florida Panthers. It marked the eighth consecutive season in which he has recorded 20 or more wins and the third-straight season he has registered a save percentage of .920 or higher. He finished the season ranked sixth in the league in shutouts (6), 10th in save percentage, 12th in saves (1,616) and tied for 19th in goals-against average.

“I'm very excited to join the Washington Capitals organization,” said Vokoun. “It is a terrific team with a lot of talent and I look forward to doing everything I can for us to reach our ultimate goal in winning the Stanley Cup.”

The 6’, 215-pound netminder has played the fifth-most games among active goaltenders (632) and ranks 39th all-time in career NHL wins (262), 17th in saves (16,957) and 27th in shutouts (44). His .917 career save percentage is tied for sixth in the NHL among active goaltenders and he ranks eighth in wins, fifth in shutouts and 18th in goals-against average (2.56). Vokoun is tied for the best save percentage (.922) in the NHL since the 2005-06 season and is also tied for the fourth-most shutouts in that span (32). The two-time NHL All-Star (2004, 2008), has finished in the top ten in save percentage in five of the last six seasons. In 11 career postseason games with Nashville, Vokoun is 3-8 with a 2.47 goals-against average, a .922 save percentage and one shutout. He is also currently ranked sixth in playoff save percentage among active goaltenders that have appeared in at least 10 games.

The Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, native led the Czech national team to a gold medal during the 2010 World Championships, posting a record of 7-1 with a 1.57 goals-against average and a .944 save percentage. He also helped backstop the Czechs to a gold medal in the 2005 World Championships and was awarded the Directorate’s Best Goaltender Award while being selected to the tournament All-Star team. In addition, Vokoun captured a bronze medal at the 2006 Olympics and represented the Czech Republic in the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. In total, he has represented his country at two Olympics (2006, 2010), one World Cup (2004), four World Championships (2003, 2004, 2005, 2010) and one World Junior Championship (1996), posting a 31-12-1 record with a 1.80 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage in international play.

Vokoun was originally selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the 9th round (226th overall) of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft.

[canuck2]

that's a good upgrade. Makes Washington much more legit.

[caps05]

I was really hoping, upon the trade of Varlamov yesterday, that Vokoun would sign in DC. And my hopes came true.

[grits207]

It's for $1.5 million.

This makes the Giguere signing by Colorado look that much worse, not to mention the awful Varlamov trade.

Good move by Washington.

[caps05]

Gord Miller is reporting the deal is worth $1.5 million.

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by grits207

It's for $1.5 million.

This makes the Giguere signing by Colorado look that much worse, not to mention the awful Varlamov trade.

It makes all the goalie moves yesterday look bad.

[MattBurger]

This is an awesome deal for Washington.

[canuck2]

no way they could get vukoun for 1.5. he made over 5 million last year and is an elite goalie.

I dont believe that.

[HordiBrusk29]

He must really want a chance to win. We all know plenty of other teams around the league would have offered him a lot more money than that.

[bengino]

so that means that Holtby is playing in the AHL again.. at least it's only for 1 year, much cheaper then say that contract Philly signed with their bonafide #1 guy.

[everblades2]

Wow, a good signing for Washington. He can be a good mentor for Neuvirth and is a solid goaltender, especially if they need a go to guy for the playoffs.

Vokoun really screwed himself though. The Panthers wanted him back but he was hoping for a new place to finish off his career and make some good cash. Now he's got a 1 year deal at a lot less than he was making in Florida. We'll see what happens though. This is either Vokoun desperate for a cup or taking what was left.

[grits207]

Originally Posted by HordiBrusk29

It makes all the goalie moves yesterday look bad.

Not to mention the Bryzgalov signing, Vokoun would have been perfect for the Flyers.

[2yt4u]

Originally Posted by grits207

Not to mention the Bryzgalov signing, Vokoun would have been perfect for the Flyers.

Vokoun is alright but I'll take Bryz over him,6 years younger
and better overall goalie IMO. Is that contract correct for 1.5?
What a drop off if so for Vokoun. Thats a steal for the Caps.

[Doug]

I knew Vokoun will sign with another team, never thought it will be Washington.

I've read the reason Colorado did'nt sign him, he was asking too much.

[The Woodsman]

Haha! Vokoun is way better than Bryz... This is hilarious. Philly could have potentially added Vokoun for less than they are paying Talbot.