The Devils have reportedly agreed to a one year deal with back-up goaltender Johan Hedberg who became a UFA at noon today. Hedberg played the 2010-2011 season with the Devils going 15-12-2 with a 2.38 GAA, .912 save percentage and 3 shutouts. We are still waiting to hear the financial terms of both this deal and the 4 year deal with defenseman Andy Greene.
Barring a ridiculously high contract amount, signing Hedberg to one more year isn’t a bad signing, in and of itself. He certainly demonstrated that he can step up when needed and when he wants to. He’s a class act who slid seamlessly into the role of back-up goaltender after he was used to being the starting goaltender in Atlanta. Also, playing back-up to Martin Brodeur doesn’t come without its own pressures. Personally, I would have loved to have seen Lou Lamoriello sign a successor to Brodeur (whose current contract is up at the end of the 2012 season).
FUN FACT:
Hedberg’s 2.38 GAA and .912 Save % from last season with the Devils are his career best. Hopefully, he’ll improve even more this season.
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