Michael Stuart: The Dustin Tokarski Conundrum

i would say you got a number of years before you have to worry about this. at least 3 for Visilevski's development. Which should be enough time to see who is big league caliber or not in Tokarski or Lindback. I'm interested to see how the later does as it doesn't get more polar opposite in defensive systems than TB and Nashville.

i would say you got a number of years before you have to worry about this. at least 3 for Visilevski's development. Which should be enough time to see who is big league caliber or not in Tokarski or Lindback. I'm interested to see how the later does as it doesn't get more polar opposite in defensive systems than TB and Nashville.
- Boosinicka

Yeah, as I pointed out, there's certainly time. Good point about Lindback in a different system; it should be interesting, to say the least. With Garon, Lindback, Vasilevski, and Riku Helenius (a real good prospect who many don't know about), there is a little bit of a goaltending logjam right now. I don't know if Tokarski fits long-term with his size. As good as he is, size is a real concern....

As much as I like "the tic", his NHL career will be similar to that of Jamie McLennen at best. I think Helenius could turn into a very good back up who, if need be, can string together some games. I think he will be our version of Garon next season.

He could easily be given a shot in the NHL. I think the Bolts are gonna take on Lindback and Garon. Give Tokarski a good look in theyre next training camp and preseason. Plus this next AHL season should also give you a good look at what he is gonna do. Sure he just wont a calder cup. But so did Lehner who is supposed to be a better talent then struggled the year after. If Tokarski has another good yr im betting tampa is gonna end up real young in net. Im still betting they keep Garon around.

Yeah, as I pointed out, there's certainly time. Good point about Lindback in a different system; it should be interesting, to say the least. With Garon, Lindback, Vasilevski, and Riku Helenius (a real good prospect who many don't know about), there is a little bit of a goaltending logjam right now. I don't know if Tokarski fits long-term with his size. As good as he is, size is a real concern....
- Michael_Stuart

Not as worried about his size as much as his positioning and rebounds. I don't think Tokarski will catch on with the Bolts as a starter. More likely a career AHLer.

He has a similar resume to Schneider.

He has a similar resume to Schneider.
- Boinker

Only a few inches shorter. At the same point in his career, I would have taken Schneider 8 days a week.

Not as worried about his size as much as his positioning and rebounds. I don't think Tokarski will catch on with the Bolts as a starter. More likely a career AHLer.
- Leafsandbolts

He does have trouble getting from side to side, as we saw last season. Teams were able to take advantage of that.

As much as I like "the tic", his NHL career will be similar to that of Jamie McLennen at best. I think Helenius could turn into a very good back up who, if need be, can string together some games. I think he will be our version of Garon next season.
- mblightning

If Lightning fans know anything it's that NEVER allow a players size to determine his success. Yes Dustins' first NHL journey wasn't marked with stellar performances, but considering the situation and the horrible defense in front of him I don't place it all on him. There is alot of potential and heart within that 5'11 frame. Keep him.
You also forgot to mention Janus. He's not gone, just going the way of Riku.

If Lightning fans know anything it's that NEVER allow a players size to determine his success. Yes Dustins' first NHL journey wasn't marked with stellar performances, but considering the situation and the horrible defense in front of him I don't place it all on him. There is alot of potential and heart within that 5'11 frame. Keep him.
You also forgot to mention Janus. He's not gone, just going the way of Riku.
- Artyukhin76

Good point. I guess there is one or two short guys making a difference in this system

I just think size matters more for a goaltender than it does for other positions. Didn't include Janus simply because he's not really "in the system" right now. Though, as you point out, he could certainly be a difference make in the long-term.

Tokarski's size does scare me. Yes he has heart, yes he has skills, yes he has a great resume, but standing 5-foot-11 in net will continue to hold him back. I know you and I have had arguments about this in the past. It's just a really difficult situation and, with the abundance of riches we have in net as of now, perhaps looking at dealing Tokarski does indeed make sense. Just my $0.02.

Good point. I guess there is one or two short guys making a difference in this system

I just think size matters more for a goaltender than it does for other positions. Didn't include Janus simply because he's not really "in the system" right now. Though, as you point out, he could certainly be a difference make in the long-term.

Tokarski's size does scare me. Yes he has heart, yes he has skills, yes he has a great resume, but standing 5-foot-11 in net will continue to hold him back. I know you and I have had arguments about this in the past. It's just a really difficult situation and, with the abundance of riches we have in net as of now, perhaps looking at dealing Tokarski does indeed make sense. Just my $0.02.
- Michael_Stuart

It will be a couple of years before TIC would be considered trade bait. He has an impressive resume and the game he played against Boston was awesome.

It will be a couple of years before TIC would be considered trade bait. He has an impressive resume and the game he played against Boston was awesome.
- Artyukhin76

Yeah, the team does have time. I worry that he'll eventually become dissatisfied with his situation with the team. I mean, his future job was essentially taken over with two moves: Vasilevski and Lindback. I see more potential with each of those guys than I do with Tic. Add Helenius and Garon into the fold and all of a sudden things don't look overly good for the kid....

Yeah, the team does have time. I worry that he'll eventually become dissatisfied with his situation with the team. I mean, his future job was essentially taken over with two moves: Vasilevski and Lindback. I see more potential with each of those guys than I do with Tic. Add Helenius and Garon into the fold and all of a sudden things don't look overly good for the kid....
- Michael_Stuart

Garon makes me want to stab myself in the eyes. Vasilevski is great, but could very well pull a "I'm Russian and staying here". Helenius' first couple of games have been, well a massive letdown. However Lindback has me excited about hockey (if we ever get any)

Garon makes me want to stab myself in the eyes. Vasilevski is great, but could very well pull a "I'm Russian and staying here". Helenius' first couple of games have been, well a massive letdown. However Lindback has me excited about hockey (if we ever get any)
- Artyukhin76

Garon: Serviceable back-up. Nothing more, nothing less.
Vasilevski: Fair point. Though, his talent alone makes the selection worth it.
Helenius: I think he'll come around at some point. Solid movement in the net. His stats aren't impressive, but then again, Tokarski's aren't stellar either.
Lindback: Future star. He will be the number one goalie in Tampa for years to come, in my opinion.

If Garon makes you want to stab yourself in the eyes, what did Roloson make you want to do?

If Lightning fans know anything it's that NEVER allow a players size to determine his success. Yes Dustins' first NHL journey wasn't marked with stellar performances, but considering the situation and the horrible defense in front of him I don't place it all on him. There is alot of potential and heart within that 5'11 frame. Keep him.
You also forgot to mention Janus. He's not gone, just going the way of Riku.
- Artyukhin76

Your comment made me think of Martin St Louis immediately. Having heart can take you a long way.

Your comment made me think of Martin St Louis immediately. Having heart can take you a long way.
- Leafsandbolts

Personally, I think it's easier to make it with heart as a skater (specifically forward) than it is as a goalie. The best size comparison in the NHL is Tim Thomas. Thomas makes up for his size with ridiculous athleticism and movement in the net. Tokarski's movement isn't overly strong as of right now and that is concerning.