Utah Hockey Club Secures Karel Vejmelka with Five-Year Deal

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Hockey Club announced Thursday that goaltender Karel Vejmelka has signed a five-year contract extension ahead of the upcoming free agency period. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but reports suggest it is valued at $23.75 million.

The 28-year-old netminder has had a notable season, boasting a record of 16-16-4, a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.45, and a save percentage of .910 across 38 games, including 35 starts. With the potential to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, the Utah organization prioritized this extension as a testament to Vejmelka’s performance on the ice.

“Karel has been integral to the success of our team this season,” said Bill Armstrong, general manager of the Utah Hockey Club. “He is a talented goaltender that competes every night he takes the net and has solidified one of the most critical positions on our team. We are thrilled to have Karel signed for the next five years.”

Vejmelka, selected in the fifth round (No. 145) of the 2015 NHL Draft by the Nashville Predators, has logged 178 games in his career, split between the Utah Hockey Club and the Arizona Coyotes. His overall record stands at 60-91-15, with a 3.26 GAA and six shutouts throughout his time in the NHL.

The announcement follows the signing of forward Alex Kerfoot and defenseman Ian Cole to one-year contract extensions, with reports indicating an average annual value of $3 million each. Both players could also have entered free agency this summer, further emphasizing the team’s commitment to maintaining its core roster.

Kerfoot, 30, has recorded 16 points this season and leads the team’s forwards in blocked shots with 45. He has played in all 61 games this season, reflecting his importance and versatility within the lineup.

“We are very pleased for Alex to remain in Utah,” Armstrong stated. “Alex is an important leader for our group with his versatility on the ice and leadership off the ice, and we look forward to having his continued contribution as we fight down the stretch to make the playoffs.”

Kerfoot’s career includes 280 points from 94 goals and 186 assists over 585 regular-season games. He has also participated in 48 Stanley Cup Playoff games, contributing another 18 points. Notably, he has maintained 406 consecutive games played, marking the fourth-longest active streak in the NHL.

Meanwhile, Cole, who is 36 years old, has achieved 13 points this season while ranking second in the NHL with 160 blocked shots, just behind the Anaheim Ducks’ player (165). Armstrong expressed satisfaction in keeping Cole with the team, highlighting his experience and leadership as invaluable assets.

“We are thrilled to have Ian back for another season,” Armstrong said. “Ian’s championship pedigree, work ethic, and leadership on and off the ice are valuable assets to our group.”

Cole, originally selected in the first round (No. 18) of the 2007 NHL Draft by the St. Louis Blues, has amassed a total of 206 points (35 goals, 171 assists) in an expansive 887-game career. He has also played in 129 playoff games, winning the Stanley Cup twice with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

As Vejmelka solidifies his future with the Utah Hockey Club, the team continues to bolster its roster in hopes of achieving playoff success this season.