With the National Hockey League training camp opening a little over five weeks away on September 12, the Anaheim Ducks and goaltender Alex Stalock have agreed to a contract that brings the veteran netminder back to the west coast where arguably he had his most tremendous success. The one-year deal carries an AAV of $800,000.
The 36-year-old who appeared in 27 games for the Chicago Blackhawks finished with a 9-15-2 record, a GAA of 3.01, and a save percentage of.908 on a team that played just poor enough to win the National Hockey League Entry Draft, securing the opportunity to draft Connor Bedard.
While Anaheim's goaltending appears to be set with John Gibson, expecting to be the starter, Stalock will enter camp fighting for the backup position with 23-year-old Brno, Czechia native Lucas Dostal. Although Dostal had a down year last season with a demotion to the San Diego Gulls, his cap hit may give him the advantage of staying in Anaheim, ahead of Stalock.
Whatever happens, going into camp, one thing is for certain: It will be a dogfight between the pipes for the 2023-2024 season.
