The Anaheim Ducks announced they’ve signed Swedish Elite League standout Viktor Fasth to a one-year deal, which TSN’s Darren Dreger reports is a one-way contract worth $1 million.
“The Ducks showed a real big interest,” Fasth told the team website. “I had the feeling that they wanted to give me this chance and they believe in me. That is very important for me.”
Fasth, 29, is a late bloomer. He spent the majority of his career playing in Sweden’s lower-tier leagues before bursting onto the scene with AIK in 2010-11. Since then, he’s gone on to win back-to-back Honken Trophies, awarded annually to the top goalie in Sweden (the only other multiple winners are New York’s Henrik Lundqvist and former Lightning goalie Johan Holmqvist.)
He’s starred internationally as well. At the 2011 World Hockey Championships, Fasth posted a 1.71 GAA and .946 save percentage, capturing MVP honors despite losing the gold medal game to Finland.
The Fasth signing might spell the end of Dan Ellis’ time in Anaheim. It’s likely that Fasth and Jeff Deslauriers will battle for the backup gig behind No. 1 Jonas Hiller, though AHL Syracuse goalie Iiro Tarkki could also be in the mix.