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In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on Antti Raanta's three-year, $4.25 million (per) contract extension with the Arizona Coyotes.
Todd Cordell
For years Raanta has posted strong numbers as a backup. Many wondered if he was capable of doing so with a larger workload. This season he has erased any doubt as he owns a .930 save percentage despite playing behind one of the worst teams in the NHL.
As surprising as this may be, only John Gibson and Carey Price have stopped a higher percentage of shots since Raanta entered the league in 2013-14.
He's quietly been one of the league's best puck stoppers and the Coyotes locked him up without giving much term or dollars. I mean, 20 goaltenders – including guys like Jimmy Howard, Craig Anderson and Jake Allen – are slated to make more than him next season and I don't think there's any question who the best of the bunch is.
The Coyotes did very well here.
James Tanner
This is a great, team friendly deal for the Coyotes. Rannta has been putting up Vezina numbers - when he's played. He's missed 30 odd games with various injuries, but he's been near the top of the NHL when he has been healthy.
Given that he's done that behind one of the worst teams in the NHL - 23rd I think in CF% last I looked it up - what he's done is impressive. The Coyotes take a bit of risk, I guess, since this year could be a fluke, or he could end up injured a lot, but really, they're getting a potential all-star goalie for the price some teams are paying their fourth or fifth defenseman. At that cost, it's easy to stomach the risk.
Great deal.
Jared Crozier
I think it is a pretty solid deal...Raanta has been stellar in the second half of the season and has been a major reason the Coyotes have tightened up defensively and allowed the third fewest goals against since the calendar turned.
He is just 28 years old so has a few good prime years left and will be a stabilizing factor as they young team in front of him matures. And as far as the money, that is very reasonable for a starting goalie.
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