Peter Budaj to Attend Camp

It looks like Jhonas Enroth will have some competition for the backup goaltender role at this coming season’s training camp. The Los Angeles Kings have invited veteran goalie, Peter Budaj, to training camp. He has split his NHL time between Colorado and Montreal over the past 9 years but spent the most recent season in the Winnipeg Jets affiliate – St. John’s IceCaps. Budaj hasn’t played a game in the NHL since the 2013-14 season, but should be ready to compete for a position with the Kings.

The Slovakian’s career NHL stats are 124-107-36, 2.76 GAA, and a .903 save percentage. Budaj was drafted in 2001 by the Colorado Avalanche, 63rd overall.

May 22, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Montreal Canadiens goalie Peter Budaj (30) stretches before game three of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

His most impressive season was in 2012-13 where he went 8-1-1 and a 2.29 GAA in 13 games with the Montreal Canadiens. He also had a great season in Colorado in 2006-07 where he beat out Jose Theodore for the starting role. He went 31-16-7 with a 2.68 GAA in 57 games.

In not-so-hockey related material, Budaj is known for having some creative goalie masks. Because of his Christian influence, he has a small picture of Ned Flanders from The Simpsons on the back of his mask. He’s had depictions from The Hulk, Assassins Creed, Valentino Rossi (racing), and Lionel Massi (Argentine soccer star).

Next: Los Angeles Kings: Who Will Be the Captain?

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