Devils GM Lou Lamoriello took care of some housekeeping early this off-season, as the team has signed backup goaltender Keith Kinkaid to a two-year contract extension.
Two-year, $1.45 million contract extension ($700K, $750K) for Keith Kinkaid. One-way deal.
— Tom Gulitti (@TGfireandice) April 13, 2015That's a very team-friendly deal for a guy who could have almost certainly earned more on the open market.
After the season Kinkaid openly said he was grateful of the Devils giving him his chance in the NHL, and that he wanted to remain in New Jersey. He proved it with this deal.
With Kinkaid extended the Devils have $6.725 million tied up in goaltending with him and Cory Schneider. That's not at all bad when you factor in Schneider is an elite goaltender in the prime of his career, and that Kinkaid is quite capable of stepping up to the plate when Schneider needs a rest.
Among regular starters Schneider finished 5th in the NHL with an impressive .934SV% during 5 vs 5 play. Keith Kinkaid actually finished ahead of him in that regard with a .936SV%.
It was a much smaller sample size, and you'd be ignorant to suggest Kinkaid is the same caliber of goaltender as Schneider, but it was encouraging nonetheless.
With Kinkaid locked up, the Devils know they can rely on quality goaltending every night. That's certainly a good thing for a team that struggles to score, and is in the process of developing several young defensemen.
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