BREAKING: Vegas Signs Newly-Acquired Goalie
Akira Schmid has inked a two-year contract with the Vegas Golden Knights. The agreement carries a cap hit of $875,000 for each season.
Golden Knights Trade And Sign Schmid
The Golden Knights acquired Akira Schmid in a trade with the New Jersey Devils last week. Schmid was part of a deal that also brought forward Alexander Holtz to the Golden Knights.
Last season, Schmid posted a 5-9-1 record with the Devils, along with a 3.15 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage. The Swedish-born goalie was selected in the fifth round, 136th overall, of the 2018 NHL Draft.
#VegasBorn have signed G Akira Schmid
2 year / 1-way
$875,000 both seasonsSchmid was acquired by Vegas on June 29th, but was not given a QO.https://t.co/mQ5O71mc4q
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) July 3, 2024
Schmid played a significant role in leading the Devils to a first-round victory against the New York Rangers two years ago but was unable to replicate that success this year. The Devils faced a crowded goaltender situation after trading for Jake Allen at the trade deadline and acquiring Jacob Markstrom, leaving no room for Schmid.
Schmid’s Role In Vegas
Akira Schmid will likely compete for the backup goalie position behind starter Adin Hill. The Golden Knights have also added Ilya Samsonov, who had a strong finish to the season with the Toronto Maple Leafs and became their starter for the playoffs.
Interestingly, Schmid’s contract is a two-year, one-way deal, meaning he will earn an NHL salary even if sent to the minors. Typically, teams try to avoid sending players with one-way contracts to the minor leagues, but it is not unheard of.
It appears Schmid and Samsonov will be vying for the backup spot during training camp and the preseason. The goalie who doesn’t secure the backup position will likely become the starting goalie for the Golden Knights’ AHL affiliate, the Henderson Silver Knights.