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Reimer, Johnson, Ward? Carolina Hurricanes Offseason Outlook (2 of 4)

May 12, 2016, 7:12 AM ET [16 Comments]
Thomas Gidlow
Carolina Hurricanes Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Carolina Hurricanes have a lot to do this offseason, and as such, we're going to be covering all aspects of what promises to be a notable summer.

Part 1: TRADE TARGETS

PART 2 of 4, Carolina Hurricanes Offseason Outlook: REIMER, JOHNSON, WARD?

Today, in part two of this four-part look at what's on tap for Carolina in the coming weeks, we're going to be taking a look at who could be manning the pipes for the Canes come October.


(via HockeyBuzz Cap Central page)

The Hurricanes had a relatively inconsistent year when it comes to dependable goaltending. For stretches, both Cam Ward and Eddie Lack played well enough to backstop the club to within striking distance of a playoff spot. But on the whole, it's hard to look at this area of the team without having a feeling of disappointment.

Although it seemed like Ward had what those who follow the Canes would consider a rebound season considering how uneven he's played in recent years, his final 2015-16 stats were not much of an improvement: Ward sported a 23-17-10 record with a 2.41 GAA and .909 SP - that save percentage is his lowest since a dreadful two-year stretch from 2012 to 2014 when he allowed 128 goals on 1,301 shots in just 47 appearances. His GAA was his second lowest mark in his career, though that isn't saying much for a goalie with a 2.70 career mark in this category.

Lack's numbers were off from his two-year stint in Vancouver. He appeared in 34 contests last season (he played in 41 games in each of his two seasons with the Canucks), and put up just a .901 SP and a 2.81 GAA. He also allowed 19 goals in his last five games, though with an admittedly more bare team in front of Lack than he enjoyed prior to the trade deadline.

Ward is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, while Lack will begin a new 2-year, $5.5 million contract in 2016-17. With no immediate solutions in the system (Daniel Altshuller and Alex Nedeljkovic are likely still at least a few years away from being meaningful contributors to the pro club), it's probable that Carolina will look to the UFA market in an attempt to bolster their goaltending.

Here's a look at the two most likely targets for the Canes, with a few other possible scenarios discussed.

OPTION 1: Hard push for James Reimer, or possible 'gamble' on Chad Johnson

Arguably the two best options on the pending UFA market, both Reimer and Johnson offer Carolina the opportunity to have a true #1 goalie on the club. With Ward and Lack platooning most of last season, the signing of either of these UFA's would seem to create the possibility for Bill Peters to have a solid #1 to rely on barring injury or significant dip in performance.

Reimer, 28, gets a decided edge in terms of experience, having appeared in nearly twice the amount of games as Johnson has (215 to 101, for the record). Reimer is also almost two years younger, with Johnson set to hit the 30-year old club next month. Reimer also posted some sterling stats in limited action with San Jose after being dealt from Toronto this past season. In 8 games, Reimer sported a 6-2-0 record with a 1.62 GAA and .938 SP, including three shutouts. It's anecdotal, but provides a glimpse into what Reimer can do with a competitive team in front of him - one would need to look back to the shortened 2012-13 season to find a worthwhile comparison (2.46, .924, only playoff appearance).

Johnson backstopped a much improved Buffalo Sabres team last year, appearing in 45 games (the most of his career in a single season). His 2.36 GAA and .920 SP showed his ability to keep a young team competitive through a rebuilding year, and likely solidified him getting a shot as a starting goaltender - but it's probably not going to be in Buffalo. Whether or not he can post similar numbers in a 50-65 game campaign, though, is a fair critique. Johnson had never appeared in more than 27 games prior to last season. But looking at the goalie landscape as it sits now, there's little doubt he'll get an opportunity to try next season.

Reimer is going to attract attention, and as such will be able to command a better contract than Johnson. So if Reimer prices himself out of Carolina's budget, Johnson seems to be a solid second option. Carolina is in a holding pattern in net for the next two seasons anyway, as the aforementioned Altshuller and Nedeljkovic continue to gain experience. Either way, it's a significant change from the status quo, and one has to believe after 10 years with Cam Ward between the pipes, a departure from the norm is exactly what the Canes need.

OPTION 2: Platoon with Lack and _______

There are other options on the UFA market, such as Jhonas Enroth, Karri Ramo, Al Montoya, Alex Stalock, and even former Hurricane Anton Khudobin. None of these names stand out as obvious candidates to be a #1 guy, but potentially could work in a 1-2 combo with Lack for the next season or two. It's not the ideal scenario, but aside from a trade for a bonafide starting backstop, Carolina will have to sift through the rest of the free agent goalie barrel if Reimer or Johnson are not in the picture.

OPTION 3: Bring back Cam Ward

The easy answer here is to sever the final tie to the 2006 Stanley Cup team and the last vestige of what is now a by-gone era. But looking at the market and the low likelihood that the Hurricanes would make a trade for a goalie with other options available to them, it's not impossible to see Ward back in the cage for the Canes next season. From a pure logic standpoint, Ward is among the top options available in a thin, but plentiful, UFA market. He has a lot of experience as a starting goaltender - something a lot of the viable UFA options don't have. GM Ron Francis has always maintained that he will do what is best for the club, and if the primary targets can't be reigned in, Carolina could do worse than to re-sign Ward.



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