Goalies on the Go

Taking a look at a few netminders that could have new homes by the trade deadline

By Marcus White

Rick Stewart/Getty Images 

The NHL season has yet to reach the quarter pole, but it’s never too early to start speculating about trades. Your favorite team’s GM is undoubtedly working the phones or scouting players in an effort to improve their team. As there are so many notable free agents next offseason, particularly in goal, we could see one of the most active trade deadlines in recent memory. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some goaltenders that could be on the move.

Ryan Miller

The 800-pound gorilla in the room. Any talk about goalies on the move must begin with the 2010 Olympic MVP. The writing was on the wall this offseason when it became clear the Sabres are firmly in rebuilding mode, and a trade became a near certainty once Thomas Vanek was traded to the Islanders. Miller has performed admirably for the Sabres, and his low win totals and high goals-against-average are much more of a reflection of the talent in front of him.

The best goalie on the market this trade deadline and in the free agent class of 2014, Miller should draw a lot of interest around the league. He does, however, have a limited no-trade clause, meaning he can provide a list of teams he will not accept a trade to. Edmonton and Philadelphia are two obvious potential destinations, given their weaknesses in goal. While the Oilers’ presence on Miller’s no-trade list and the Flyers lack salary-cap space make any potential deal difficult, a big move is needed if either club is to live up to the expectations of their respective ownership groups

Jonas Hiller and Viktor Fasth

The Ducks currently have a logjam in the crease. In the injury absence of Viktor Fasth, Danish rookie Fredrik Andersen has been very impressive, posting a 1.36 goals-against-average and .956 save percentage in his first four games. Additionally, top prospect John Gibson has put up impressive numbers in the AHL, and has gotten more starts since Andersen was called up.

It’s been rumored the Ducks are looking to move either Fasth or longtime starter Jonas Hiller, in large part because of Andersen’s play in the NHL, and Gibson’s impressive start to his first professional season. Hiller’s more likely to be dealt, given his UFA status at the end of the year, proven track record, and larger contract. But don’t sleep on Fasth getting dealt once he returns to health, either. The tight-spending Ducks could look to shed cap space as teams like Nashville and Carolina needing a big upgrade in goal while their starters are out due to injury.

Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott

In a situation very similar to Anaheim’s, the St. Louis Blues are contenders with a cluttered crease, in large part because of the play of a young goaltender. Jake Allen started this season with the Blues’ AHL affiliate in Chicago, but impressed in 15 games last year while Halak was injured and Elliott was struggling. Elliott and Halak have begun to bounce back from their down years last season, as each has seen their save percentages increase by at least .12 points.

With both goalies set to be unrestricted free agents this offseason, and Allen waiting in the wings,  it’s very possible St. Louis would seek to get some sort of return for at least one of them. There should be plenty of interest if St. Louis decided to field offers, as Halak and Elliott have very movable contracts and proven track records. The Blues could be content with letting Halak and/or Elliott walk this summer and promote Allen next season, but have a unique opportunity to further upgrade their roster or prospect pool if they decide that Allen is ready.

Four AHL Goalies Playing at an NHL Level

The NHL’s premier developmental league has repeatedly showcased exceptional goaltending talent. This year is no different.

By Tyler Piccotti

For casual hockey fans, it may be easy to forget that there’s still plenty of hockey being played on American and Canadian soil. The American Hockey League is currently in the midst of another season of minor league action.

Wait. Let me correct that last statement. It may technically be a “minor” league, but the AHL is currently full of top-flight professional talent.

This is especially true at the goaltender position. A multitude of NHL stars proved themselves in the AHL before making it to the hockey equivalent of “the show.” Among them are Ryan Miller, Dwayne Roloson, and Miikka Kiprusoff.

However, I’m concerned about this year’s crop of talent. Here are four goalies that are currently playing about as well as one possibly can:

Jeff Zatkoff, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

Since their inaugural game in 1999, the Penguins have been one of the most successful teams in the league. One reason is the continuous flow of exceptional goaltenders they have seen, the most notable of which is Marc-Andre Fleury. This year, however, the focus is on Jeff Zatkoff. He currently ranks second in the league with a 1.62 goals against average. He is also tied for second with three shutouts. His play is making Penguins fans forget about backup Brad Thiessen, a former winner of the league’s Aldege Bastien Memorial Award. He has been a reliable workhorse for a team lacking offensive firepower.

Robin Lehner, Binghamton Senators

Lehner was the catalyst in the Senators’ 2011 Calder Cup run. After a subpar season last year, he has returned with a vengeance. He is among the league leaders in wins with eight. The main reason for this is his ridiculous .950 save percentage. His hot start has Binghamton fourth in the Eastern Conference and looking like one of the favorites to earn a playoff berth. He has 13 career NHL starts, but he should get plenty more if he continues on his torrid pace.

Curtis McElhinney, Springfield Falcons

A former rising star in the Calgary Flames organization, McElhinney’s career was almost derailed by a severe abdominal injury last season. Luckily, he recovered and was dealt to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Now, he is tearing up the AHL with nine victories and four shutouts this season for Springfield. His .940 save percentage isn’t all that shabby either. He has led the Falcons to the second spot in the Eastern Conference, and he makes them an instant challenger for Syracuse’s conference supremacy.

Dustin Tokarski, Syracuse Crunch

Speaking of Syracuse, the Crunch has an exceptional goalie in Dustin Tokarski. He was a brick wall in net for the Norfolk Admirals last season as the team won an incredible 28 games in a row, a professional record.  He was even better in the playoffs as the Admirals steamrolled their way to the league title. This year, he has picked up where he left off. He sports a 1.89 GAA and eight victories so far this season. More importantly, he has the Crunch atop the Eastern Conference. He has provided the defense for a team with explosive offensive weapons, one being league MVP Corey Conacher. He may very well be a tow-time champion when all is said and done this season.

All-Star Extravaganza(Hockey): The Rookies' Defensemen and Goalies

Defensemen-

#47 BOS Steven Kampfer- Ann Arbor, MI


Yes, he’s not the biggest player at just 5-foot 11 and just 197 pounds. Sure, he’s seemingly had a negligible impact for the
Bruins. In fact, he didn’t make the big club till December.

But Kampfer stunningly resembles an NHL superstar, Dan Boyle, with his play. Sure, he doesn’t have the prototypical defensive size or shot. In it’s place, however, he’s got a wealth of speed and a nasty wrist shot. He can even play physical if the need arises.

Is he the best? No.

But he’s good enough to get the last spot on this team.

#23 PHX Oliver Ekman-Larsson-Karlskrona, Sweden


Ekman-Larsson had been so hyped before the season that many expected the 19-year-old to win a job in the NHL. Not only did he win the job, he hasn’t disappointed either. He heads into the break with 10 points so far on the year, and recently tallied his first NHL goal.

OEL-his nickname-is a smooth-skating defenseman with soft enough hands that he is valuable in the shootout. He’ll be perfect as a partner with Kampfer in this lineup, as both have the speed to keep up with opponents.

Plus, the pairing can be referred to as “The Tongue Twisters.”

#76 MTL P.K. Subban-Toronto, ON.



Bob Errey had Subban perfectly pegged. He’s a wild stallion, a player whose actions are so unpredictable that he’s almost a hindrance to the Canadians when he plays. He’s also been called out by multiple players for his lack of respect,

But don’t mistake his wild nature for a lack of talent. Subban has the best skating skills in the league, a wicked slap-shot from the point, and physical prowess to physically dominate opponents. Plus, he can quarterback the power play.

He’s already a fan favorite in Montreal. Expect him to become a household name in hockey within the next decade.