The Chicago Blackhawks are nearing a contract extension with pending unrestricted free agent goaltender Ray Emery, according to a report by The Fourth Period on Tuesday morning.
Emery had played out a one-year, $1.15 million contract in 2013 and acted as the club's backup goaltender to starter Corey Crawford. According to the report, Emery's agent, J.P. Barry, met with general manager Stan Bowman at the NHL Draft on Sunday night and made progress in negotiations. The two are expected to meet again this week.
In 21 appearances during the 2013 season, Emery registered a .922 save percentage with a 1.94 goals-against average and three shutouts. Interestingly enough, Emery was credited with a single loss as his final record resulted in a 17-1-0 mark.
Emery ultimately did not play during the 2013 Stanley Cup Final, which resulted in the Blackhawks' second Stanley Cup championship in four seasons. The 30-year-old goaltender is comfortable with his role as the backup to Crawford, according to the Fourth Period.