There’s a new No. 2 behind Juuse Saros in Nashville this season.
As part of a flurry of signings when free agency opened on July 1, Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz inked 31-year-old backup goaltender Scott Wedgewood to a two-year, $3 million contract.
Aside from his NHL debut season in 2015-16, in which he only appeared in four games, Wedgewood posted the best numbers of his career over the past three seasons with Dallas. He set new career highs last season in games played (32) and starts (28), posting a 16-7 record, a 2.85 goals-against average and an .899 save percentage. Over his NHL career, which has spanned parts of eight seasons, he has a 2.96 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage.
Related: Nashville Predators Sign Backup Goaltender Scott Wedgewood to 2-Year Deal
“I always want to improve,” Wedgewood said. “I don’t think my numbers really show how good of a goalie I am, and that’s a circumstance of where I started and where I built myself up to. But the last two years, if you look at where my game’s come with steady numbers, it’s obviously been an uphill battle… To keep my head above water like I did for a long time to earn that contract was something that was a long time coming. I thought about me and my family; it’s very rewarding for what the journey has been.”
Indeed, Wedgewood’s NHL journey hasn’t been an easy one. Originally drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the fourth round (No. 84 overall) of the 2010 NHL Draft, he signed an entry-level contract with the Devils and turned pro in 2012.
However, with Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur still holding down the No. 1 spot and Cory Schneider acquired in 2013 to succeed him in New Jersey, Wedgewood found himself stuck in the minors for the better part of the next four seasons. He finally made his NHL debut on March 20, 2016.
Wedgewood missed most of the 2016-17 season, however, due to a torn labrum in his shoulder that required season-ending surgery. He was healthy again entering training camp in 2017 and finally got a chance to play regularly in the NHL at age 25 after being acquired via trade by the Arizona Coyotes.
His first stint in the NHL was short-lived, though. After one season in Arizona, Wedgewood signed with the Buffalo Sabres in 2018 but spent the season with Rochester of the American Hockey League. He signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning a year later but again spent the season in the AHL, this time with Syracuse.
Wedgewood returned to New Jersey in 2020, signing as…