26-year-old will likely join AHL's Cleveland Monsters
The Columbus Blue Jackets announced they have signed goaltender Zach Sawchenko to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,00/$125,00 for the 2024-25 season.
Sawchenko was an undrafted free agent who originally signed with the San Jose Sharks after two years in USports with the University of Alberta Golden Bears, where he won the 2017-18 USports University Cup.
The 26-year-old has appeared in seven NHL games, all with the San Jose Sharks, recording a 1-2-1 record with a .901 save percentage and 3.35 goals against average.
Sawchenko has appeared in 79 career AHL games with the San Jose Barracuda, Chicago Wolves, and Abbotsford Canucks, posting a record of 32-36-5 with a .898 SV% and 3.11 GAA. He also has a 13-4-3 record, .928 SV% and 2.42 GAA in 20 ECHL games.
The Calgary, AB, native will compete with RFA Jet Greaves and Pavel Cajan for minutes with Columbus' affiliate Cleveland Monsters. The Monsters were one win from reaching the Calder Cup Final and look to remain in contention next season.
Despite spending much of last season in the Vancouver organization as a scratch, Sawchenko had a strong finish to the season with Abbotsford after the Canucks were plagued with goaltending injuries. Sawchenko played well as Abbotsford won their first round playoff matchup against the Colorado Eagles before being swept by the Ontario Reign.
The playoff experience was Sawchenko's first since his time in USports, and should inspire confidence heading into next season.
Sawchenko is a two-time WHL First-Team All-Star and won the 2014-15 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Gold Medal with team Canada.
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