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Calgary Flames sign Artyom Zagidulin |
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Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
The Calgary Flames' organizational depth chart is fairly deep and talented at most positions. The one exception is between the pipes.
David Rittich doesn't have a contract for next season, though I assume he'll get one, Mike Smith (rightfully) doesn't have a contract for next season, and Stockton's games played leaders – Jon Gillies and Tyler Parsons – both have sub .900 save percentages, although they aren't getting a ton of help in front of them.
Whatever the case, it's clear the Flames could use some more talent in their goaltending pool.
GM Brad Treliving took a step towards addressing that Friday by signing Artyom Zagidulin to a one-year entry-level contract.
The 23-year-old netminder posted a .924 save percentage in 25 games with Magnitogorsk (KHL) this season. While it's not at all uncommon to see .920SV%+ posted in that league, Zagidulin did have better numbers than some who are affiliated with NHL teams, and others with NHL experience.
His track record is really solid as well. In 2017-18, he posted a .938SV% in the VHL (his partner owned a .926SV%). In 2016-17, he had ~.950 save percentage in 10 KHL games split between Magnitogorsk and Kunlun.
He's 6'2', he's athletic, and he puts up really strong numbers everywhere he goes. Regardless of how things play out, I think this is a worthwhile gamble by the Flames.
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