Dmitry Chesnokov of Puck Daddy reports [8] Lightning prospect goaltender Jaroslav Janus [9] has signed a two-year contract with HC Slovan Bratislava of the Kontinental Hockey League. Janus had been on a tryout agreement with the club.
Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times confirmed the 2-year contract with Janus' agent [10]. The agent told Cristodero that Janus has an out clause next summer should he wish to return to North America.
The fourth-year pro went to Europe looking for a No.1 goaltending position after being nudged out of the Lightning's AHL plans when Tampa Bay signed goalies Anders Lindback [11] and Riku Helenius [12]. Lindback in Tampa with Mathieu Garon [13] keeps Dustin Tokarski [14] in the AHL and Helenius takes Janus' spot as Tokarski's tandem partner.
The Lightning encouraged Janus' move to Europe as it will give him the best chance for more playing time – which is exactly what he needs at this point in his development. The club made it clear they continue to view Janus, 22, as a legitimate NHL prospect. The Lightning are scheduled to get Garon off the books next year, opening up a possible spot for Helenius, Tokarski, or Janus.
Last season, Janus won 23 games with Norfolk, posting one shutout, a 2.36 goals against average, and a .914 save percentage. He broke Tokarski's record for most consecutive wins by a Norfolk goaltender when he finished the season with 15 straight victories. The 2009 sixth round pick went 3-1 in the playoffs as the Admirals won the Calder Cup, accumulating one shutout, a 1.69 GAA, and .937 save percentage.
Janus is one of three goalies listed on the HC Slovan roster. He began his preseason with a 27-save shutout for the club. According to Cristodero, Janus had a 0.99 goals-against average and .963 save percentage in his two games under under the tryout contract.
A report last week stated he was called up to KHL Yaroslavl, his rights holder, when Yaroslavl’s No.1 goalie, Curtis Sanford, was injured.