In the second major signing of what’s sure to be a busy if not downright hectic off-season, the Penguins inked goalie and pending UFA Casey DeSmith to a two-year extension with an average annual value of $1.8 million. A raise of $550 thousand per season over his previous deal.
In 2021-22, DeSmith overcame a rocky start to play extremely well down the stretch, posting an 8-5-4 record and .927 save percentage over his last 17 regular-season appearances, including three shutouts. If I’m not mistaken, he was second (or third) in save percentage in the league during the second half of the season, keeping company with the likes of Vezina Trophy winner Igor Shesterkin.
Pretty select company.
Overall, Casey posted a 2.79 goals against average and .914 save percentage along with an 11-6-5 record. Numbers perfectly in line with his career stats (2.67 goals against, .915 save percentage).
In his lone postseason appearance against the Rangers he stopped 48 of 51 shots. Good for a .941 save percentage.
My take? Consistency issues aside, I think DeSmith’s a very capable backup, one of the better ones in the league. He moves well and is extremely athletic. Traits that help compensate for his lack of size (the New Hampshire native’s generously listed at 6’0” and 181 pounds).
My only red flag but it’s a biggie…the recurring core muscle injuries that have caused him to miss virtually all of the past two postseasons. Resulting in follow-up surgeries.
While it remains to be seen if the most recent surgery remedied the problem, GM Ron Hextall…who should know a thing or two about goalies…obviously felt confident enough to re-up the popular netminder.
With Tristan Jarry firmly enmeshed in a starting role and DeSmith once again serving as his understudy, the door would seem to be closed on the possibility of a Marc-Andre Fleury return to the Steel City.
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Groin surgery to Casey has been nice to each side. This exact surgery performed often yields tremendous results and often the patient is stronger then BEFORE the injury. The surgeon (who also worked on Crosby’s) is the best and there’s no reason to think there will be any affects. Thankfully, there are only 2 groins!