Ducks’ sign Vyacheslav Buteyets to a two-year, entry-level contract

Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports

The Anaheim Ducks announced Wednesday that they have signed goaltender Vyacheslav Buteyets to a two-year entry-level contract.

Buteyets was selected No. 178 overall in the 2022 NHL Draft.

NEWS: We have signed 2022 draft pick Vyacheslav Buteyets to an entry-level contract. #FlyTogether | @EandELaw https://t.co/xkQ6oH7LJO

— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) May 1, 2024

Buteyets posted an 18-12-4 record with three shutouts a 2.11 goals against average and a .933 save percentage in 35 games during the 2023-24 regular season with Chelmet Chelyabinsk of the VHL; Russia’s second-highest men’s league. Buteyets made his KHL debut this season with Traktor Chelyabinsk, appearing in one game in Russia’s top division.

Buteyets posted a 40-32-6 record with four shutouts, a 2.36 goals-against average (GAA) and a .923 save percentage (SV%) in 81 career games from 2021-24 with Chelmet Chelyabinsk. Buteyets led all second-division goaltenders 21 and younger in wins, shutouts and games played. The Chelyabinsk, Russia product ranked second in goals-against average and third in save percentage. Among all VHL goaltenders, he ranked in the top 10 in wins.

The 21-year-old will likely see action next season with the Ducks’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate the San Diego Gulls.