The Arizona Coyotes announced earlier today that they have resigned goaltender Darcy Kuemper to a two year contract extension worth 4.5 million a year. Kuemper’s original contract was set to expire at the end of this season, so getting the deal done earlier is beneficial for both sides.
Kuemper was an integral part of the Coyotes success last season. Starting in 55 games last year, Kuemper went 27-20-8 while posting 5 shut outs. Originally drafted by the Minnesota Wild in 2009, Kuemper has only played 186 games over the course of his 7 year career. Last season was his most successful season in the NHL, and maybe it is an inclination of what is to come.
The news of Kuemper’s resigning originally was released on twitter by Craig Morgan of the Athletic.
Hearing the Coyotes have reached agreement with goalie Darcy Kuemper on a two-year extension.
— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) October 2, 2019
Having Kuemper signed long-term only makes the Coyotes better. They now have their two goalies signed through the end of next season in Antti Raanta and Darcy Kuemper. When you add in Eric Comrie to the mix as well the goalie tandem only improves.
The Coyotes now have $9,450,000 million dollars in salary space on the books for their goaltenders for next season, so in the future expect the Coyotes to make some change there. Maybe there is more to the injury of Antti Raanta, why else would they claim Eric Comrie and resign Darcy Kuemper to more salary then he is currently making? The goalie situation in Arizona is one to follow going into this season. Especially considering the team was 6th in goals against, only giving up 223 goals last season.
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Kuemper was tied for 12th for most starts last season. He was relied on heavily by the Coyotes to help guide the team to success. Considering how many shots on goal the Coyotes gave up last season the Coyotes really needed Kuemper to step up, and he did earning himself a contract extension.
At 29 years old Kuemper is no young rookie in the NHL, his time is limited to win a championship. It’s time the Coyotes step up to the plate and make a push for the Cup.