By Ben Remington -
The Minnesota Wild made the signing of Andrew Hammond official Sunday just after free agency opened up at 11 a.m. Hammond's contract is a one year, two-way deal for $650,000 if he's with the Minnesota Wild, and $300,000 if he plays in Iowa.
Hammond -- known for his 'Hamburglar' nickname made popular during his time with the Senators -- spent last season with Colorado. His season was best known for him going on a hot streak in the playoffs, notching a .933 save percentage in three games as the Avalanche fell to Nashville in six games.
Hammond also sports a respectable .923 career save percentage, better than either current Wild goaltender, as he figures to compete with Alex Stalock for the backup job.
This fills a need for the Wild, as Alex Stalock was a reliable backup to Devan Dubnyk in the first half of the season, but had a dreadful second half. As a result, Dubnyk ended up playing more games down the stretch.
Hammond provides an interesting option in that he can get hot at times and even end up challenging Dubnyk for playing time when the starter has stretches where he struggles, which has happened.
Even if Hammond fails to win the backup job from Stalock, it's a win-win for the Wild, and even the Iowa Wild, who will get a reliable goaltender with NHL experience as they try to make the playoffs for the first time in Des Moines.
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