Darcy Kuemper out as Avalanche acquire Alexandar Georgiev from Rangers
Anthony Scultore
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The Colorado Avalanche fresh off a Stanley Cup win backed by goalie Darcy Kuemper have acquired pending RFA Alexandar Georgiev from the New York Rangers on Thursday.
In exchange, the Avs will send a 3rd and 5th round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, plus a 3rd round selection in 2023.
As soon as the trade was announced multiple reports surfaced that Kuemper, who is a pending UFA was heading to free agency and out with Avs.
Avalanche trade for Alexandar Georgiev, Kuemper out
Georgiev, 26, posted a 15-10-2 record with two shutouts, a 2.92 goals-against average and .898 save percentage in 33 games (28 starts) this past season. He is a restricted free agent after playing under a two-year, $4.85 million contract.
Signed by the Rangers as an undrafted free agent on July 19, 2017, Georgiev owns a 58-48-11 record with eight shutouts, a 2.94 GAA and .908 save percentage in 129 career games.
He was rumored to be asking for a trade dating back to last offseason. It must’ve been difficult for him seeing Igor Shesterkin come in late during the 2019-20 and dominate. Especially after backing up Henrik Lundqvist for two seasons prior.
“There’s only one way to be in game rhythm is to play,” Georgiev said. “We’ve been doing some drills with [Benoit Allaire] and working hard in practice.”
He will now get that chance to be a starting goalie.
Kuemper, 32, enjoyed a career season during his first season with the Avalanche in 2021-22. He posted a 37-12-4 record with five shutouts, a 2.54 goals-against average and .921 save percentage.
He is coming off a two-year, $9 million contract signed with the Arizona Coyotes in 2019.
–Field Level Media contributed to this report