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I have covered the topic of goaltending and it is because I believe it is a very important position to get the most bang for your buck. It doesn't always have to come in the form of an expensive cap hit.
Here are the cap hits of the starting goaltenders that have reached the Stanley Cup Final
The average cap hit for a starting goaltender that has reached the Stanley Cup Final since 2005-2006 is 3.02M.
There are many goalies on that list that didn't make much at all, furthermore there are a number of goalies on that list that would have been considered a "nobody" before the playoff run (including both CHI winning goalies).
The key with goaltending is to predict future performance and get ahead of the curve, not pay for past performance and a "brand name". People get attached to familiar names and lose sight of actual performance.
This past year saw both Quick and Lundqvist making big money and their teams had high success. There is certainly not just one formula to follow when attempting to construct a team.
How does this pertain to the Penguins?
The Rangers and Kings have built up great depth over the years and get legit contributions from players on the ELC deals as well as a good return on their regular contracts (hello Justin Williams 3.6M). The Penguins have not done that. In fact, Ray Shero has done a miserable job filling in depth. Check out this chart from Travis Yost:
Woof! Yes, those are 4 Penguins you see on that list (as well as the overrated Bruins 4th line). The Penguins need to fix their depth, there is no questioning that. The Penguins do not have a strong pipeline of forward prospects to help with this. They will have to outsource and that means either trading or signing players. If the Penguins want to go the trade route they are lacking a 2nd and 3rd round pick already this year. Chances are the depth acquisitions are going to be found in free agency. The Penguins need money to do that. As I have stated before they can certainly find some cap space to make these roster improvements by trimming the fat at the goalie position.
If the Penguins had young players on ELC contracts contributing at a high level like some of the other contenders do then they would be in a position to spend more at the goalie position. They don't have that luxury and because of it they don't have enough money to spread around. This is the reality of the situation and it is the problem that Ray Shero has left behind.
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Adam Gretz from SB Nation
breaks down the risks of giving goaltenders long term contracts and the results from the goalies that have been signed to them. Excellent piece.
Thanks for reading!
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