Journeyman goalie Danny Taylor has officially found a home with the Abbotsford Heat.
The 26-year-old keeper, who excelled after joining the team midway through the 2011-12 season, signed a one-year AHL contract to return to the Heat on Friday.
Prior to arriving in Abbotsford, Taylor had suited up for 11 teams in just five pro seasons. That lengthy roll call included five teams in the ECHL and four in the AHL, plus a stint in Germany with the Hamburg Freezers (2010-11) and a single NHL game with the Los Angeles Kings in March of 2008.
The Heat initially brought in Taylor because they wanted an experienced backup for No. 1 goalie Leland Irving, but an injury to Calgary Flames backup Henrik Karlsson paved the way for him to see significant playing time. With Karlsson out, Irving was recalled, and Taylor inherited the top job in Abbotsford.
He made the most of the opportunity, finishing the regular season with a 17-10-3 record and a trio of top-10 stats: shutouts (five, fifth in the AHL), goals against average (2.29, eighth), and save percentage (.924, ninth).
Taylor also carried the load for the Heat in the playoffs, backstopping the team to the second round.
With newcomer Barry Brust signing with Abbotsford on Thursday and Irving agreeing to a two-way contract last month, the Flames/Heat now boast solid organizational depth in the crease.