Braden Holtby

Braden Holtby (born September 16, 1989) is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who is currently a free agent. He played a parts of 12 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for the Washington Capitals, Vancouver Canucks, and Dallas Stars.

Holtby won the Stanley Cup with the Capitals in 2018. He also won the Vezina Trophy as the league's best goaltender in 2016 and the William M. Jennings Trophy in 2017 for allowing the fewest goals in the league that year.

Career
Before playing in the NHL, Holtby played three seasons with the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League (WHL).

He was selected 93rd overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2008 NHL entry draft. On October 20, 2008, he signed a three-year; entry-level contract with the Capitals.  He played for both their AHL-affiliate Hershey Bears and the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL.

On November 5, 2010, the Capitals called Holtby up and he made his NHL debut in a 5-3 win against the Boston Bruins. On March 9, 2011, he recorded his first NHL shutout in a 5-0 win against the Edmonton Oilers. Holtby helped the Capitals during the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs, helping them reach the Eastern Conference semifinals before losing to the New York Rangers four games to three. On February 25, 2013, Holtby signed a two-year, $3.7 million contract extension to remain with the Capitals. He helped the team reach the playoffs again, making it to the Eastern Conference semifinals before they lost to the New York Rangers in a game 7 for a second time. On July 24, 2015, Holtby signed a 5-year, $30.5 million contract to remain with the Capitals. Holtby tied Martin Brodeur for the record of most wins in a single season record with 48. This came after a 5–1 win against the St. Louis Blues on April 9, 2016. He was named that year's Vezina Trophy winner for being the best goaltender in the NHL. Holtby backed up Philipp Grubauer and helped the Capitals make it to the Stanley Cup Final, where they defeated the Vegas Golden Knights four games to one to win their first Stanley Cup. Holtby, along with teammates Brett Connolly and Devante Smith-Pelly, refused to visit the White House in protest against the Trump administration.

On October 9, 2020, Holtby signed a two-year, $8.6 million contract to join the Vancouver Canucks. He went on to play 21 games with the team. On July 27, 2021, the Canucks waived Holtby and bought out his contract.

On July 28, 2021, Holtby signed a one-year, $2 million contract to join the Dallas Stars. On March 21, the Stars placed Holtby on long-term injured reserve list.

References

 Other websites 

Category:1989 births
Category:Living people
Category:Canadian ice hockey goaltenders
Category:Dallas Stars players
Category:Hershey Bears players
Category:Stanley Cup champions
Category:Vancouver Canucks players
Category:Vezina Trophy winners
Category:Washington Capitals players
Category:William M. Jennings Trophy winners