The Avalanche today acquired goaltender Semyon Varlamov from the Washington Capitals in exchange for first-round pick in the 2012 NHL draft and a conditional second-round pick in either 2012 or 2013.
Varlamov, 23, went 11-9-5 with Washington last season, with a 2.23 goals-against average and .924 saves percentage.
“In Semyon Varlamov we are acquiring a highly touted NHL goaltender,” said Avalanche general manager Greg Sherman said in a team release. “At 23 years old, he is regarded as a solid and talented netminder by our staff. We definitely feel we have addressed our top priority this offseason and for many years to come.”
Varlamov was drafted in the first round, 23rd overall by the Capitals in the 2006 draft.
“Semyon is an elite goaltender who is a key part of our future success,” said Avalanche executive advisor Joe Sakic. “Avalanche fans should be very excited with this acquisition, as we all are.”
The Avalanche earlier signed free-agent Jan Hejda to a four-year, $13 million contract. Hejda, who played with Columbus last season, is a 6-foot-3, 230-pound defenseman.
Hejda, 33, has played five seasons, with his first season coming in 2006 with Edmonton. He has scored 12 goals and has 64 assists in 341 games.
He also is a member of the Czech Republic national team.
An NHL source confirmed earlier the Avs had contacted representatives for free-agent goalie Tomas Vokoun, but they now will count on Varlamov at the position.
Varlamov is 6-feet-2 and 209-pounds. He made his NHL debut during the 2008-09 season and went on to start 13 of Washington’s 14 playoff games that season. He compiled a 7-6 record during the postseason with a 2.53 goals-against average and .918 saves percentage. He became only the fourth goaltender in NHL history to record a playoff shutout before his 21st birthday, joining Harry Lumley, Patrick Roy and Carey Price.
Varlamov appeared in 26 games in 2009-10, posting a 15-4-6 record. He also appeared in six playoff games (five starts), going 3-3 with a 2.41 goals-against average.
Varlamov was born in what was then known as Kuybyshev, USSR. He was named to the 2010 Russian Olympic team as the third goaltender, but did not play. He also represented his country at two IIHF World Junior Championships, helping Russia to the silver medal in both the 2006 and 2007 World Juniors.
The Avs also could lose a quality free-agent player, in left wing Tomas Fleischmann. Talks between the team and Fleischmann have not borne fruit as of yet, and there are expected to be several teams that will make him a nice offer.
Colorado also is expected to say goodbye to free-agent enforcer David Koci.
Other free-agent moves around the NHL
The Montreal Canadiens added center Erik Cole from Carolina. Cole’s contract is for four years and $18 million, according to TSN.
The Columbus Blue Jackets signed defenseman James Wisniewski to a multiyear contract, the team said. TSN reported it to be worth $33 million over six years. The New York Rangers signed center Mike Rupp from Pittsburgh. Rupp’s contract is worth $4.5 million over three years, he said in a televised interview on NHL Network.
The Phoenix Coyotes added forward Raffi Torres from the Vancouver Canucks and goalie Mike Smith. Smith spent last season with the Tampa Lightning, who recently re-signed goalie Dwayne Roloson. The Lightning then added goalie Mathieu Garon from Columbus.
Former Avalanche goalie Petr Budaj then signed with Montreal. Former Canadiens goalie Jose Theodore, who spent last season in Minnesota, was sign by the Florida Panthers.
The Winnipeg Jets, who relocated from Atlanta earlier this month, made their first free agent signing by adding defenseman Derek Beech from the Detroit Red Wings. Beech agreed to a one- year, $700,000 contract, TSN reported.
Adrian Dater: 303-954-1360 or adater@denverpost.com