Report: Utah signs Karel Vejmelka to five-year extension

The Utah Hockey Club has signed goaltender Karel Vejmelka to a five-year extension that carries a $4.75-million annual average value, reports The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun.

Through 38 appearances with Utah this season, Vejmelka has posted a 16-16-4 record alongside a .910 save percentage, 2.45 goals-against average, and one shutout. Among goaltenders with as many games played this season, Vejmelka’s .910 save percentage ranks seventh-best league wide.

Prior to the team’s shift to Utah, Vejmelka spent three seasons with the former Arizona Coyotes. In all, through 178 career contests with Arizona and Utah, Vejmelka has posted a 60-91-15 record alongside a .901 save percentage, 3.25 goals-against average, and six shutouts.

Originally chosen by the Nashville Predators in the fifth round of the 2015 NHL Draft, Vejmelka later signed with the Coyotes in 2021 after spending seven seasons in the top Czech league. A two-time playoff champion in the Czech league, Vejmelka has also seen success in international competition, including bronze and gold medal wins at the IIHF World Championship. Vejmelka also took home a silver medal with the Czechs at the 2014 IIHF Under-18 World Championship.

Vejmelka’s contract extension comes as part of a busy Wednesday for Utah general manager Bill Armstrong who earlier in the day announced one-year extensions for forward Alex Kerfoot and defenseman Ian Cole. On Monday, Utah also signed blue-liner Olli Maatta to a three-year extension.

On the season, Utah sits 27-25-9 and four points back of the Calgary Flames for the second wildcard seed in the Western Conference as it continues to push for a playoff position in the franchise’s first season in Salt Lake City. Having found the win column in six of its past 10 outings, Utah will look to keep up its winning ways when the team returns to the ice Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings.