Vegas Golden Knights complete goaltending tandem for 2019-20

Moves continue to be made by the Vegas Golden Knights after the franchise today announced that they have signed Malcolm Subban to a new contract.

Subban has inked a one-year deal through 2019-20 with the Vegas Golden Knights, worth an average annual value of $850,000.

It is the latest in a string of moves by the Golden Knights who signed forwards Tomas Nosek and Brandon Pirri to a one-year and two-year contracts respectively last week.

They are also deep in talks with veteran defenseman and locker room leader, Deryk Engelland over a new contract, and that is expected to be signed, sealed and delivered soon.

Patrick Brown, Tyrell Goulbourne, Brett Lernout and Jaycob Megna were also inked to contracts as depth signings, with the Knights concentrating on keeping their core intact and maneuvering around the salary cap as opposed to being major players in free agency.

Bringing back Subban for a third straight year in Sin City is another example of the above, ensuring that the franchise’s hugely successful and reliable goaltending tandem is kept intact.

Subban filed for salary arbitration last week but negotiations between player and team proved to be smooth sailing and the Knights can now tick another box on their offseason to-do list.

His arbitration hearing was scheduled for July, 20, with a $715,000 qualifying offer expected to be the demand, but the Vegas front office went above and beyond that initial figure to ensure that they wrapped up a deal with Subban as soon as possible.

The basics of the contract means that Subban will enter the summer of 2020 as a restricted free agent again, but this deal ticks a lot of boxes for both parties.

It allows Subban to continue to develop and hone his craft behind a three-time Stanley Cup champion in Marc-Andre Fleury, enabling him to learn from the very best while continuing to put together a body of work capable of winning a starting job in the NHL down the line.

For the Golden Knights it gives them a strong netminding tandem for the 2019-20 season as they look to once again be among the pack of contenders for the Stanley Cup.

It also is a team-friendly deal in terms of the salary cap which gives Vegas the flexibility to now go and complete a new contract for Engelland, in addition to thrashing out a deal with young defenseman Jimmy Schuldt.

Subban played 21 NHL regular season games for the Vegas Golden Knights in 2019-20, including 20 starts, and he finished the year with an 8-10-2 record as well as a 2.93 goals against average and a .902 save percentage.

He recorded his first-ever career shutout on March 21, 2019 against the Winnipeg Jets, while he also won seven of his nine starts during the latter stages of the season.

Subban, in total, boasts a 21-14-4 record along with a 2.81 goals against average and a .906 save percentage with the Knights.

And here’s another little nugget for you; Subban has also compiled an impressive 4-0 record in the shootout with 16 saves on 16 shot attempts.

Now, Subban still clearly has flaws he needs to iron out and there are a few blemishes on his copybook, with his inconsistency and his habit of suffering lapses in concentration the biggest areas that need tweaking.

However, Subban’s strengths are undeniable with his agility and lateral movement outstanding and providing the perfect recipe for some sublime glove and pad saves.

All in all, you have to once again tip your hat to the Vegas Golden Knights front office who have worked wonders early in the offseason after clawing their way out of salary cap hell.

They’ve pulled the trigger on trades to deal away Colin Miller and Erik Haula in order to create some room under the cap, in addition to stockpiling valuable draft picks.

All of the smart decision making and wheeling and dealing has resulted in William Karlsson signing a long-term deal to remain in Vegas, while the depth has remained intact following the returns of Nosek and Pirri and now Subban.

So, while the Golden Knights didn’t make any major splashes in free agency, that was never the mission heading into the summer for a team that has a wide window when it comes to their Stanley Cup aspirations.

They now get another year of Subban and it will be a big year for the 25-year-old who will have a role to play for Vegas, while continuing to put forward his case as to why he’s capable of being a regular starter in the NHL.