Every NHL fan knows the best team in the world can’t win in the playoffs without a solid goalie between the pipes. Many NHL playoff games have been stolen by a net-minder who stood on his head. Fans only need to look at this year’s Canadiens to see a team that can go far in the postseason, if the right goalie is in nets. Jaroslav Halak has once again shown how a goalie can make all the difference. In fact, looking at the history of the Montreal Canadiens one finds several Stanley Cups that were won because a Montreal goalie carried the team on his back. Knowing how important a goalie is in the playoffs, who are the top 5 free agent goalies for the upcoming season?
Will Evgeni Nabokov Be Able to Stay in San Jose?
It’s hard to tell whether Evgeni Nabokov is as good as his record indicates, or if he’s a product of a great team that gives him huge leads. When one looks at the Sharks veteran goaltender, it’s easy to get carried away by his won/loss record over the past couple of seasons. A former Calder Memorial Trophy winner, there’s no denying Nabokov is a solid goalie, it’s just difficult to see the Sharks being able to keep the net-minder at his current $6 million salary. With other key players to resign, including all time Sharks point leader, Patrick Marleau, as well as Joe Pavelski, and Devin Setoguchi, it’s a sure bet Nabokov will receive some competitive offers from other teams than just the Sharks.
Where Will Marty Turco Play Next Season?
The Dallas Stars have signed their franchise goalie of the future after a trade with the Atlanta Thrashers brought them Kari Lehtonen. Meanwhile, the Dallas goalie of the last couple of seasons, Marty Turco, is definitely on the move via free agency. The question remains, who will Turco sign with? Turco has always had his problems in the playoffs. However, Turco is a solid goalie and proven veteran, who at 33, could easily start for another team. As for his salary, well Turco can’t expect anywhere near the $5.4 million he made this past season.
Will The Flyers Keep Michael Leighton?
The Flyers Michael Leighton has quickly become the hottest goalie in the postseason. A journeyman NHL goaltender, Leighton has bounced around the NHL, playing for the Blackhawks, Predators, Flyers, Hurricanes and was even on the Canadiens roster for a while. While Leighton had a hard time finding a home in the NHL, he’s been nothing short of spectacular in this postseason, posting a 6-1 record with a 0.950 save percentage and three shutouts. Leighton replaced Brian Boucher after the starter suffered an injury against the Boston Bruins. As for where Leighton will play next season, it’s a sure bet the 28 year old will get a substantial raise from his current $600,000.00 salary.
What’s Next for Flyers Ray Emery?
The onetime Ottawa Senator, known for his off-ice antics and difficulties, went to Europe in order to get back to the NHL. Emery did just that, and became the Flyers number one goalie by posting a 16-5 record and a 0.918 save percentage. However, Emery suffered a horrible injury this season and will require a bone graft on his hip. At $1.5 million, Emery had guaranteed himself a huge pay increase, based on his solid play for the season. However, not only is his status uncertain with the Flyers, but it’s uncertain whether Emery will continue to play in the NHL. Provided he does come back, Emery has done enough to be considered among the top NHL unrestricted free agent goaltenders available.
Will The Islanders Re-sign Martin Biron?
A former Flyer goalie who also single handedly won them a playoff series against the Canadiens a couple of seasons ago, the Islanders Martin Biron is a consistent, if unspectacular, NHL goalie. Playing for the Islanders last season, Biron posted a sub par record of 9-14 with a 0.896 save percentage and eventually found himself in the AHL. However, a number of teams will jump at the chance to sign an NHL goalie with Biron’s experience, and at $1.4 million, it’ll be easy to fit that under any salary cap.
With the free agency period fast approaching, every fan is looking to see how their favorite team will improve their roster. Teams like the Washington Capitals must come to understand that winning in the playoffs starts in nets. Being the best NHL team in the regular season means nothing if that team doesn’t have someone proven in nets, and a solid defense to back him up.
Ian Johnson - I currently run a business blog called www.driveyoursuccess.com. I have over 15 years consulting experience in production cell management, ...
