Boston Bruins‘ 6th year net minder Max Lagace(33) signed a 1-year 2-way deal on the opening day of unrestricted free agency to become a third spoke in the Black n’ Gold crease.
He has been putting up career numbers for affiliate Providence Bruins.
The 6’2″ 190 lbs. back stop has an 8-2-2 record in 13 AHL games with already 4 shutouts and a 2.17 GAA and .930 SV%.
It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the backstop as he started his pro career through 28 ECHL games on reassignment to Bakersfield Condors and Kansas City Mavericks.
Undrafted he signed a three year entry level deal with Dallas Stars after less than spectacular QMJHL seasons with 4 different clubs but mostly with Prince Edward Island Rocket.
He somehow managed though and found himself as the number 1 for main affiliate Texas Stars by the start of his sophomore campaign, would sign a one-year extension as a first restricted free agency approached and play a full AHL season.
His status entering the next contract was that of an unrestricted group 6 free agent and it was decided to leave him unqualified, which was good news to Vegas Golden Knights, who signed him on the opening day of free agency.
Very likely he was getting comfortable tending the cage for affiliate Chicago Wolves but less than a month in the parent club found themselves with two injured goalies and needed help.
He would be recalled and ended up appearing in 16 NHL games throughout the season posting a 6-7-1 record with a 3.91 GAA and .867 SV% but it wouldn’t end there as he was re-signed a played one more game in the big league and posted career best stats in the minors.
The still young 26-year old could get the nod in net for another shot, especially if one of the top two go down long term.