Ondrej Pavelec will have new support and/or competition in the form of Al Montoya. (Photo: Clyde/flickr)

Former Rangers draft pick Al Montoya agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Winnipeg Jets this afternoon, per Scott Brown of True North and the Jets’ website.

Montoya had played for the New York Islanders prior to becoming a UFA; he had been acquired by the Islanders from Phoenix, where he had been in net for five games (and played more in the Coyotes’ farm organization). He got to see more ice time on the Island after injuries to Rick DiPietro and Evgeni Nabokov, and he had even earned the starting job in 2011-12. He played very well until suffering a concussion December 20 against (ironically) Winnipeg. (stats) Evander Kane was the guilty party, having run him over during a potential scoring play.

Now, Kane and Montoya will be teammates, and starter Ondrej Pavelec will find a capable backup — if Montoya can get back to form and stay healthy. He missed a month after his concussion and never started regularly after becoming healthier, since Nabokov had hit his stride (though arguably, the coaching staff seemed not to have any kind of faith in Monty; head coach Jack Capuano was always reluctant to name him the #1 goalie even while he was playing like one). I think that may have been what kept him from getting back into it.  Montoya has decent athleticism, but takes a while to get going after not playing for a while. He’s also had issues with rebound control in the past, but it should improve as he gets along in the season.

With all of that said, Montoya is a great guy and teammate, and I wish him well in Winnipeg. Maybe the change of scenery will do him some good — at least, he certainly seems excited to be there, which is already a good sign.