Deal in place for free-agent goalie Darcy Kuemper

At the NHL Draft, the Washington Capitals traded netminder Vitek Vanecek to the New Jersey Devils, which was, according to general manager Brian MacLellan, the “first step in the process to make a change” to the team’s goaltending.

That’s because Darcy Kuemper is expected to join the Capitals later today at the opening of free agency, according to the latest update from TSN insider Bob McKenzie.

Kuemper is coming off a career year where he went 37-12-4 with a .921 save percentage and five shutouts, and helped lead the Colorado Avalanche to the Stanley Cup this past season.

While details of the pending have yet to be made public, Kuemper and his agent are reportedly looking for a six-year deal worth $6 million per season.

The Avalanche also made changes in between the pipes, sending three picks to the New York Rangers for their young star backup, Alexandar Georgiev.

Kuemper is expected to move out East and we cannot wait to see what kind of deal he lands.