Report: Coyotes still trying to sign Raanta despite Kuemper trade
The Arizona Coyotes reportedly remain intent on re-signing goaltender Antti Raanta, according to Arizona Sports' Craig Morgan, despite the fact that they just traded for Los Angeles Kings netminder Darcy Kuemper and apparently signed him to a two-year, $3.7-million extension.
Coyotes general manager John Chayka chimed in on the potential of a Kuemper-Raanta duo after Wednesday's trade.
GM Chayka: "Darcy is a big, talented goaltender who is having an excellent year. You need great goaltending in this league in order to be successful and with Antti and Darcy, we are confident that we have an excellent tandem for the future."
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) February 22, 2018
Even with the league's worst team playing in front of him, Raanta has been excellent in his first year as a starter, posting a 2.45 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage in 35 games. He spent the previous four seasons of his career as the Rangers' and Blackhawks' backup. The 28-year-old is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent July 1.
Kuemper, 27, is also in the midst of a career year, posting a 2.10 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage in 19 games as Jonathan Quick's backup in Los Angeles.