There have been some positives so far in the early going of the season, but not many. The Leaf games have been entertaining to watch thus far for the most part; but don’t expect the Leafs to go on any lengthy winning streaks in the near future.

The talent on this team lacks overall, but the drive and determination of Babcock striving to get as much as he can out of his players, should keep the Leafs competitive in each game. It’s not an overnight job to implement new systems that the players are not accustomed to playing, or possibly not in shape enough to perform at Babcock’s required level day in day out. Peter Holland is learning quickly that a 200ft game is needed and his compete level must be increased in order to continue to get ice time with the big club. Hopefully Babcock straightens him out by pushing the right buttons without ruining Holland’s confidence in his game completely

If only Babcock could do the same with Reimer and Bernier. They have been putrid through these first eight games as the Leafs are tied with Columbus at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a measly four points. For what it’s worth the Blue Jackets have played two more games than the Leafs. Bernier and Reimer have allowed twenty eight goals against in those eight games and only Reimer has won a game. Averaging 3.5 goals against per game and a combined .891 save percentage both goalies have been weak in the early going.

The Leafs resigned Bernier to a two year deal with a 4.15 million dollar cap hit in the off season. Reimer has one year left on his deal at 2.3 million.

Obviously Bernier is going to be given the bigger chance to succeed as the Leafs have him signed next season and are hoping that he is able to turn things around and get back on track to his winning ways.

Reimer tends to be a bit sloppier in net, giving out bouncy rebounds and seems to have more of a desperation reaction. Whereas Bernier seems more stable in net and has smoother lateral transitions; but tends to give up a stinker far too often. Whether that is a lack of concentration, a lack of skill or whatever it may be; it happens far too often for a “number one” goalie.

Sure the team is in full rebuild mode with a new coach, new system and new expectations. A number one goalie the team can rely on is something that is going to have to be rectified before this team is able to be competitive. We are likely still a couple seasons away before the Leafs show vast improvement and can compete with the best in the NHL, so there is still time to find the goalie that is going to take us to the promise land. It could be Bernier, it could be Reimer, but I said before the season and I still think now; something’s got to give.

At this point I am not confident in Reimer or Bernier to secure and run away with the number one job now or down the road. I’m hoping one of them can prove me wrong, and I don’t care which one it is. If not, Shanahan, Lamoriello, and Babcock are going to have to look heavily into a future goalie.

The Marlies currently have Antoine Bibeau and Garret Sparks between the pipes and in the early going of the season they have been successful for the most part with a 5-2 record. Bibeau has been rock solid in the early going with a 4-0 record, .911 save percent and a 1.97 goals against average. Goalies are a different breed, very difficult to tell who is going to be great as each tends to progress at a different rate. Not only that, but one can go from hot to cold in an instant, from game to game or season to season.

If Toronto wants to continue to embark on this rebuild, something they have to lock down is a goalie for the future. Again, I am not counting Bernier or Reimer out, but I am not feeling confident with either of them in our future plans.

Where to look?

There are a number of goalies who get drafted by teams already with #1 superstar starters like Lundqvist, Quick (where Bernier came from), Fleury, Rinne, Price and so on. These goalies rarely get the chance or ever will get the chance to take the number one and run with it in these organizations. The Toronto management staff I would only imagine is looking deeply into organizations that have a number of quality goalie prospects, or back-ups that could be scooped up in the near future.

A few teams that come to mind are Ottawa, Winnipeg, Nashville and in particular Anaheim.

Ottawa has Anderson, Hammond and a quality prospect in Matt O’Connor.

Winnipeg has Pavelec, Hutchinson and two high quality prospects in Hellebuyck and Comrie.

Nashville has Rinne, Hutton and a quality prospect in Juuse Saros.

Anaheim in particular I have interest in because they have been horrendous to start the season, and should be much better with their roster. Perhaps a shakeup is in need, one that can help the Leafs in net and the Ducks.

Anaheim has Andersen as their starter, Khudobin as their backup, and John Gibson in the AHL with Hackett as the backup.

The future of Anaheim is likely a combination of Gibson and Andersen. Andersen is an RFA at years end and will likely cost a pretty penny to resign. Khudobin is 29 years of age and a UFA at seasons end. Gibson on the other hand is signed for another three seasons after this year at 2.3 million cap hit.

I’d be interested to see what it would take to get one of Andersen or Gibson from the Ducks. Neither would be cheap; but a goalie isn’t something you should cheap out on if you feel they could be a piece going forward. Khudobin the Kazakhstan native has bounced around from the Wild, to Boston to Carolina and has found himself on a Ducks team that has been coasting through the first slew of games. He’s usually in the .900-.920 range in save percent; perhaps a goalie the Leafs could look at next season to battle with Bernier if Reimer is not resigned (I highly doubt he is, for what it’s worth).

My thoughts are the Leafs inquire about Gibson or Andersen and see what the price is. With the Ducks in the dumpster, the timing may not be the worst. If not, there are a number of other options, as I only listed a few above.

What are your thoughts with the Leafs goaltending for the future? Any hope in Reimer in Bernier? Or do you think they should target a goalie from outside the organization? Or do you hope that Sparks or Bibeau take the job down the road?

Toronto has a busy schedule coming up. This Friday the Leafs are in New York versus the Rangers, then again on the ice Saturday to play the Penguins as Phil Kessel comes back to Toronto. The Leafs also play Monday versus Dallas; so prepare for three games in four nights and hopefully a second win on the season!

Thanks for reading, enjoy the rest of your day.

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