The Colorado Avalanche acquired goaltender Devan Dubynk from the San Jose Sharks on Saturday in exchange for defenseman Greg Pateryn and a fifth-round pick in the 2021 draft.
Dubnyk, 34, gives NHL-leading Colorado some insurance in net behind starter Philipp Grubauer. Dubnyk has 26 games of Stanley Cup playoff experience during his career.
This season, he has a 3.18 goals-against average and .898 save percentage for struggling San Jose.
“Devan brought the element of consummate professionalism and class to our dressing room in what has been an extremely unique and challenging season,” Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said. “He fit seamlessly within our group and helped mentor many of our younger players. We thank him for his contributions to our club on and off the ice this season and wish him the best in Colorado.”
Dubnyk and Pateryn are set to become free agents after this season. Colorado acquired Pateryn earlier this season in a salary-shedding deal that sent defenseman Ian Cole to Minnesota.
The Avalanche have made two trades in two days after acquiring defenseman Patrik Nemeth from Detroit for a fourth-round pick on Friday. Their 58 points through 40 games are the most in the league and have them four up on Vegas for first place in the West Division.
Grubauer has been at the center of that success. He leads the league with 24 victories and has a 1.87 GAA and .922 save percentage in 33 games but has never played in more than 37 games during a regular season in his NHL career.
Colorado GM Joe Sakic may not be done dealing. With goalie Pavel Francouz and defenseman Erik Johnson on long-term injured reserve and even without San Jose retaining any of Dubnyk’s salary, the Avalanche have $4.4 million more in space to use before the deadline Monday afternoon.
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