The upcoming free agent goalie crop is a rough one, but there are certain netminders available which teams should entertain signing. Martin Jones (trade and sign) and Michal Neuvirth both joined new teams last season and made huge impacts for their respective clubs. Good deals can be found, even in a weak free agent market. Here’s a list of goaltenders which teams should pursue in free agency.
James Reimer
CHICAGO, IL – FEBRUARY 15: James Reimer #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs stops a shot by Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on February 15, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Maple leafs 7-2. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Reimer might be the only sure-thing starting goalie on the unrestricted free agent market.
The 28-year-old had been steady for the Leafs in his career. Despite playing behind what at times was a tragically bad defense, Reimer has consistently posted solid numbers. This past season, he amped up his game to a new level. In 40 combined games split between the Maple Leafs and the San Jose Sharks, he went 17-14-7 with a 2.31 GAA and a .922 save percentage. In a small eight-game sample with the Sharks, Reimer almost stole the starting job away from Martin Jones going 6-2 with a sparkling 1.62 goals against average and a .938 save percentage. Reimer’s .940 even strength save percentage ranked third among 49 qualified goaltenders who played at least 1,000 minutes. He was simply phenomenal.
Now, there are concerns with Reimer. He set a career high appearing in 40 games and does have a history of injuries. But, he’s shown over his over 200 career game sample size that he has what it takes to be a full-time goalie. He just needs the right opportunity. Reimer should get paid handsomely this offseason.
Jhonas Enroth
Enroth’s career is very similar to New York Islanders goalie Thomas Greiss. Like Greiss last year, he’s this offseason’s backup who deserves the chance to start. Aside from a mixed 2014-15 split between the lottery-bound Buffalo Sabres and the poor defensive Dallas Stars, Enroth has been a great backup goalie in his career.
This past season was a nice break for the 27-year-old, as he backed up Jonathan Quick on the defensively responsible Los Angeles Kings. It was a nice change of pace. In 16 games with the Kings, Enroth went 7-5-1 with a 2.17 goals against average and a .922 save percentage. While he appeared in a much smaller sample size than Quick, Enroth’s numbers outshone the Kings starter.
Enroth is a good goalie. In three of the last four seasons, his even strength save percentage has been at .928 or higher, topping out last year with the Kings at .937. He’s been extremely consistent, despite averaging more than 31 shots against per sixty minutes in each of those years except for 2015-16.
Enroth expressed confusion at only starting 13 games for the Kings. He knows he’s better than that. He should be looking for a chance to start or at the very least, sign on with a team where he’ll get 30-40 starts. He deserves the opportunity after grinding as a backup for most of his career. Teams would be smart to sign him to a make-good one-year deal to prove he can start.
Restricted Free Agents
during the NHL game at Gila River Arena on March 3, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona.
Yes, I know listing a bunch of restricted free agents isn’t technically one goalie, but teams should be aggressive as the restricted free agent market is much deeper than the UFA one.
Frederik Andersen might be the best goalie on the entire free agent market. The 26-year-old is coming off a wonderful playoffs where he almost single-handedly took Anaheim to the second round, posting a 3-2 record with a 1.41 goals against average and a .947 save percentage. Andersen has been consistent in his time with the Ducks but has flipped-flopped as the starter. The Ducks may be forced to make a decision between Andersen and John Gibson, as Andersen will be coveted and get paid. A team would be wise to try to trade or offer sheet him. The same thing can be said for Petr Mrazek. The Detroit Red Wings have serious money tied up with Jimmy Howard, so teams should pursue the talented 24-year-old.
One interesting name that doesn’t generate a ton of discussion is Colorado Avalanche backup Calvin Pickard. The former second-round pick is a wild card, but he’s been great in 36 career games with the Avs. The 23-year-old has posted a .938 even strength save percentage in two stints with the club, despite facing more than 33 shots per 60 minutes. It would be a Martin Jones like gamble to take on a goalie with such a small sample size, but Pickard has shown he can play at the NHL level. Colorado is committed to Semyon Varlamov, so they might have incentive to deal Pickard. If that happens, teams should pounce at the chance to acquire him.
