The New Jersey Devils have signed goaltender Jakub Malek to a two-year, entry-level contract.
The New Jersey Devils have signed goaltender Jakub Malek to a two-year, entry-level contract.
The Devils draft Malek with their fourth-round pick, 100th overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The 22-year-old just completed his second season in Liiga, the top finish league where he put up a .915SV% and a 2.32GAA with a 16-4-5 record.
The Czech-born goalie is listed at 6'4, 190 lbs. He uses his big frame to cut down shooting angles and stay calm in his crease.
Despite signing his entry-level contract, the Utica Comets PR told The Hockey News that "there is a belief that Malek will remain in Europe next season".
Malek's Liiga team Ilves, split the starts between him and 32-year-old Swedish goaltender Jonas Gunnarsson, with Gunnarsson playing in nine more games.
Playing another season in Europe would benefit Malek as there aren't many available spots for goalies in the Devils AHL and ECHL affiliates. Jake Allen and likely a new goaltender will play with the Devils and a combination of Nico Daws, Akira Schmid, Isaac Poulter and Erik Källgren, depending on who is resigned, will make the bulk of the starts.
Staying with Ilves will allow him to get consistent minutes and continue to develop.
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