Some thought Cal Petersen would like his opportunity in Buffalo since there was somewhat of an opening at the goalie position. It seems that isn’t his primary focus, as he’s signed with a team with a very established goaltender between the pipes.
Petersen will sign his entry-level deal with the Los Angeles Kings according to Kings insider Jon Rosen. According to his report nothing has been finalized yet, but he believes the two sides have agreed to terms. A deal cannot be announced until July 1.
Petersen leaving the Sabres is hardly a surprise, as GM Jason Botterill said five days ago he believed the former Notre Dame goalie was heading to free agency.
“I don’t believe he’ll be signing with the Buffalo Sabres,” General Manager Jason Botterill told the media Friday. “I’ve spoken to Cal. At this time, I think he’s going to probably move to free agency, and we’ll go from there.”
Petersen announced he was going pro after three years at Notre Dame, where he enjoyed a very successful career. He was a candidate for the Mike Richter Award (NCAA Division I’s top goalie) all three seasons and was one of five finalists his junior year. He posted a 23-12-5 record his last year in South Bend and in one stretch went 207 minutes without allowing a goal.
Petersen was a fifth-round pick of the Sabres in 2013 and is the second college free agent to leave the Sabres organization in two years. Jimmy Vesey, who the Sabres traded for last summer, opted to sign with the Rangers instead of Buffalo.