Vancouver Giants netminder Jesper Vikman has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Las Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL, beginning with the 2023-24 season.
The agreement was announced by Vegas Golden Knights General Manager Kelly McCrimmon Monday, April 10, a day after Vikman signed a professional tryout agreement (PTO) with the Henderson Silver Knights of the American Hockey League, who are an owned-and-operated affiliate of the Golden Knights.
Vikman’s PTO extends until the end of this season, so his entry level deal won’t kick in until next season.
Giants Head Coach Michael Dyck described Vikman as “an integral part of the team’s success ever since he arrived in Vancouver. He has been a leader both on and off the ice, and his experience and dedication were evident in every game.” “We’re thrilled to see Jesper take the next step in his career and sign a professional contract,” Dyck added. “It’s a testament to his hard work and perseverance and we wish him all the best in this new chapter of his hockey journey.”
Vikman ended his WHL career with an outstanding 62-save effort against the Kamloops Blazers in the final game of the season for the Langley-based team.
He becomes the third consecutive starting netminder for the Giants to sign an NHL contract.
READ ALSO: Giants netminder Jesper Vikman named to WHL BC Division all-star team
Last month, Vikman was named to the Western Hockey League BC Division’s 1st All-Star Team, the only Giant to be named an all-Star for the 2022/23 Season.
The last Giants goaltender to be named a 1st Team BC Division All-Star was Colorado Avalanche prospect Trent Miner in 2020/21.
READ ALSO: Vancouver Giants sign Golden Knights prospect Vikman
A 21-year-old native of Stockholm, Sweden,Vikman was drafted by the Giants eight overall in the 2021 CHL Import Draft, and was a fifth round pick by the Golden Knights in 2020.
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