With the goaltending picture in a state of uncertainty, the Phoenix Coyotes know for a fact they'll have veteran Jason LaBarbera in the fold for another two years.
The Coyotes announced Monday they have re-signed LaBarbera to a two-year contract after he played in 17 games this past season, posting a 7-6-3 record with a 3.28 goals-against average and .909 save percentage. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"We are very pleased to sign Jason to a new contract," said Coyotes' GM Don Maloney in a press release. "Jason is a quality NHL goaltender who has played well for us and been an extremely reliable player. We look forward to having him back next season."
Combining with Ilya Bryzgalov, the Coyotes' tandem tied a franchise record by recording nine shutouts this past season, two of which were by LaBarbera. Two seasons ago, LaBarbera posted the best statistics of his career when he went 8-5-1 with a 2.13 GAA and a .928 save percentage.
Bryzgalov, the No. 1 in Phoenix since he was claimed off waivers from Anaheim early in the 2007-08 season, is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Drafted in the third round by the New York Rangers in 1998, LaBarbera has played with four NHL teams since entering the League in 2000-01, the last two seasons with the Coyotes.
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