The Colorado Avalanche took over goalkeeper Devan Dubnyk from the San Jose Sharks on Saturday in exchange for defender Greg Pateryn and a fifth round in the 2021 NHL draft.
Dubnyk, 34, gives leader Colorado some security behind starter Philipp Grubauer. Dubnyk has 26 playoff experience in the Stanley Cup during his career.
This season, he has an average of 3.18 goals against and a serve percentage of 0.898 for wrestling with San Jose.
“Devan brought the element of consummate professionalism and class to our dressing room in an extraordinarily unique and challenging season,” said Sharks General Manager Doug Wilson. “He fit in seamlessly with our group and helped guide many of our younger players. We thank him for his contributions to our club on and off the ice this season and wish him the best in Colorado.”
Dubnyk and Pateryn will become free agents after this season. Colorado took over Pateryn earlier this season in a salary-loss deal that sent defender Ian Cole to Minnesota.
The Avalanche made two trades in two days after Detroit defender Patrik Nemeth was taken over for a fourth round on Friday. Their 58 points over 40 games are the most in the league and have four points in Vegas for first place in the West Division.
Grubauer has been central to that success. He leads the league with 24 wins and has a 1.87 GAA and .922 save percentage in 33 games, but has never played more than 37 games in a regular season in his NHL career.
Colorado GM Joe Sakic may not be done dealing. With goalkeeper Pavel Francouz and defender Erik Johnson on the long-injured reserve and even without San Jose retaining any of Dubnyk’s salary, the Avalanche has $ 4.4 million more room to use before Monday afternoon’s deadline.
On Friday-evening, Jonas Johansson made 28 saves in his first career shutout when the Avalanche defeated the Anaheim Ducks 2-0. Speaking of global warming, Johansson made his case to be Grubauer’s backup in a strong performance against a team in last place.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.