The Anaheim Ducks have wasted no time in telling Viktor Fasth that they believe in him.
The Ducks announced Wednesday that they have signed the goaltender to a two-year contract extension. According to TSN, the deal is worth $5.8 Â million.
“Viktor has proven himself not only this year in the NHL, but the previous two seasons as the top goaltender in Sweden,” Ducks general manager Bob Murray said in a statement. “We are pleased to be able to keep him and feel fortunate to have two top NHL goaltenders going forward.”
Fasth has been incredible this season for the Ducks, who have been one of the league’s hottest teams in the early months. Fasth has posted an 8-0-0 record to go along with a 1.78 goals against average and a .933 save percentage. When you look at those numbers, you could see why the Ducks would want to lock him up.
However, the nine appearances that Fasth has made this season, are the only nine of his NHL career. The 30-year-old was signed to a one-year deal worth $1 million, and he was set to become an unrestricted free agent.
It’s also a bit curious that Anaheim would sign him to a two-year extension, given the fact that they have Jonas Hiller (and his $4.5 million salary cap hit) signed through next season. Furthermore, they also have American world junior hero John Gibson in their goaltending pipeline.
It’s tough to argue with Fasth’s success in the early going, though. It’s also tough to dismiss his past achievements as well. The Swede was named the Swedish Elite League goaltender of the year the last two seasons.
