The Ducks have been active signing their prospects lately and that continued today. CapFriendly reports (Twitter link) that Anaheim has signed goaltender Roman Durny to a two-year, entry-level contract beginning in the 2020-21 season. The deal breaks down as follows:
2020-21: $792.5K NHL salary (including signing bonus), $132.5K performance bonuses, $70K AHL salary
2021-22: $822.5K NHL salary (including signing bonus), $70K AHL salary
Durny was a fifth-round pick of Anaheim (147th overall) back in 2018 after he made the decision to move from playing at home in Slovakia to the USHL in his draft year. The move was a good one as he posted a 2.38 GAA and a .920 SV% in 25 games with Des Moines and followed that up with a 2.61 GAA and a .909 SV% in 50 games with the Buccaneers last season.
However, he made the curious decision to jump into the professional ranks for this season and wound up playing on a one-year minor league contract. He was limited to just 13 games with ECHL Norfolk and didn’t fare particularly well with a GAA of 4.02 and a .881 SV% but clearly, the team saw something they liked. One of their minor league goalies, Kevin Boyle, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason and with Durny getting signed, it would appear as if Boyle won’t be retained for next season.
Well, Brian, this one’s a bit of a head-scratcher. Kevin Boyle’s GAA has been 2.90 or less since his 2nd year at UMass-Amherst, and Roman’s numbers are, frankly, pretty mediocre. Maybe Trader Bob didn’t have the windows open to get some cross-ventilation for this one…
Roman has way more upside than Boyle. Norfolk’s team was horrific last year. Even Gibson would have gotten killed there. Roman’s size and athleticism are much higher than anyone not named Gibson in the Ducks system. He has the tools. He has great goalie coaches in Slovakia that will speed his development quickly. He’ll be a battery with Gibson sooner than you think.
@CoachJude – Well, that explains a lot, although the thought of “Even Gibson would have gotten killed there” boggles the mind! This “rest” should help Gibby recharge his batteries, as he tends to face more shots/shot attempts than the average bear, which can really wear on a netminder. Good stuff! THX!
Mac, guess am gonna have to send Daniel Boone up your way, seen him at store today! May get rid of that bear! Good signing for Ducks, not sold on Boyle , and what else is in system. Happy April Fools Day! everyone , just stay healthy and safe,