Feb 19, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Jakub Voracek (93) celebrates his goal against Buffalo Sabres goalie Michal Neuvirth (34) during the second period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Michal Neuvirth credits Jakub Voracek for convincing him to sign with the Philadelphia Flyers, although the latter doesn't necessarily agree with his countryman's assessment.
"I met Jake and we talked about things here and he said all good things about the Flyers," Neuvirth told CSN Philly of Voracek, who collected 22 goals and a career-high 59 assists last season en route to signing an eight-year, $66 million contract earlier this summer. "He wanted me to come here. I think it made him happy when I signed here. ... He was the reason I signed here."
While it's true that Neuvirth put pen to paper on July 1 and inked a two-year, $3.25 million deal, Voracek disputes the goaltender's assertion that he went the extra mile to sell him on playing for Philadelphia.
"I think it's hard to say I convinced him," Voracek told the website in a text. "I told him this was a great place to play with a great locker room (of guys). A lot of potential. That's all I said."
The two played on the Czech national team before Neuvirth spent parts of six seasons with the Washington Capitals. The 27-year-old has split his time with the Buffalo Sabres and New York Islanders over the last two campaigns, taking a 66-63-17 career mark with seven shutouts and a 2.73 goals-against average into a backup role with the Flyers.
Philadelphia (33-31-18) limped out to a sluggish start and missed the playoffs last season, finishing in sixth place in the Metropolitan Division.
(h/t CSN Philly)
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.