After losing backup goaltender Craig Anderson to free agency today the Florida Panthers wasted little time in finding a suitable replacement.
Former New Jersey Devils goalie Scott Clemmensen inked a three-year, $3.6 million contract with the Panthers, counting as $1.2 million against their cap per season.
Clemmensen had bounced between the NHL (mainly with the Devils) and the minors for much of his brief career but garnered recognition for his strong performance replacing an injured Martin Brodeur and saving the Devils season.
In forty games last season Clemmensen had a record of 25-13-1, with a .917 save percentage and a 2.39 goals-against average.
It’s been suggested Clemmensen merely benefitted from a solid Devils defense in front of him but that’s selling him short. He may not be ready to become an NHL starter full time but it’s clear he’s ready for prime time now as a backup and should be a good fit behind Tomas Vokoun in Florida.