Accurately evaluating young goaltenders has always been one of the most challenging aspects of hockey scouting. Remember Al Montoya? He went 6th overall to the New York Rangers in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Rick Dipietro went #1 to the Islanders in 2000 and hasn't lived up to his potential, despite signing a 15 year contract.
Here at Puck Guru, we will give you a snapshot of 10 goaltenders who have the potential to rise to elite status within the near future, based on their size, technique and most current stats.
10. Mikko Koskinen - New York Islanders
Koskinen was virtually a 1st round pick by the Islanders in the 2009 NHL entry draft, as he was the first pick of the second round. Koskinen brings his massive 6'6" frame to North America at the young age of 22, giving him plenty of time to work with elite goalie coaching in his young career. Koskinen comes in at the bottom of the list because of his struggles with Bridgeport (posting a .894 save % through 8 games). But the Islanders have an uncertain situation in net, could Roloson be on the move to a contender? And how long can Rick Dipietro stay healthy? With his size and continued maturation at the AHL level, don't be surprised to see Koskinen see time between the pipes this season for the lowly New York Islanders.
9. Robin Lehner - Ottawa Senators
Lehner has seen time already this season with the Senators, as the oft-injured Pascal Leclaire left the door open for the young Swede. Also drafted in the second round of 2009, Lehner has exceptional speed and a considerable frame at 6'4". Although Lehner isn't seeing much time with the Senators AHL affiliate at the moment (6 GP heading into December), he should have chances to show his stuff at the NHL with Pascal Leclaire in front of him. Don't be surprised to see Lehner stick with the Sens once Leclaire's contract is up, with Leclaire set to become a free agent in July 2011.
8. Jake Allen - St. Louis Blues
Allen has thrown himself back into the spotlight with his sensational play this season with the Blues' AHL affiliate in Peoria. Through 9 games, he's sporting a 1.27 G.A.A. and a .962 save %. Allen didn't go through juniors unnoticed either, as he was selected to play for the prestigious Team Canada at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships. It looks like the 20 year-old Allen is starting to put it together in the minors, which should give him a chance at playing #2 behind Jaroslav Halak before the season is over. If the opportunity doesn't present itself, look for Allen to be a key part of a package St. Louis would offer for any elite players at the 2011 NHL trading deadline.
7. Henrik Karlsson - Calgary Flames
Karlsson makes this list despite just celebrating his 27th birthday, because of his massive 6'6" frame, and making the Flames in just his first season in North America. Karlsson could see considerable time in Calgary sooner than later, being the primary backup behind a 34 year old goalie in Miikka Kipprusoff. If the Calgary Flames continue to slide in the Western Conference, don't be surprised to see Karlsson get more playing time in the second half of the season. Having the Sutter brothers on the hot-seat could also be of benefit for Karlsson, as he could be used as trade bait. In any case, don't be surprised to see Karlsson showcase his immense talent, when - not if, he gets a chance at the NHL level.
6. Cory Schneider - Vancouver Canucks
Schneider stormed out of the gate in the 2010-11 NHL season as he took full advantage of Roberto Luongo's struggles, posting a 2.08 G.A.A. and .936 save % in 6 games so far with the Canucks. Nobody expected Schneider to push Luongo so early into the season, which should instill confidence in the Canucks that Schneider is an NHL-ready goaltender. Don't be surprised to see Schneider get into 20-25 games this season, as the Canucks could look to rest the veteran Luongo for the playoffs during the latter parts of the season.
5. Jussi Rynnas - Toronto Maple Leafs
Jussi Rynnas has been spectacular this season playing for an average Toronto Marlies team in front of him. Through 13 games, Rynnas has a 1.81 G.A.A. and a .940 save %. At 6'5", Rynnas has exceptional size which could land him in the NHL sooner than later. With Giguere struggling and having injury troubles early on in this NHL season, don't be surprised to see Rynnas called up should he continue his AHL dominance. If Gustavsson continues his sharp play, don't be surprised to hear Rynnas' name used in trade talks, as it's one of the only assets Brian Burke has to bring some talent into Toronto.
4. Jack Campbell - Dallas Stars
Campbell was the first goalie selected in the 2010 NHL entry draft, taken by the Stars at #11. The Stars elected to send the 18 year old blue chip prospect to the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL to further develop his game. With the Stars choosing not to rush their top prospect, Campbell should develop into a solid NHL goaltender sooner than later, as he has the skill and size needed to play at the top level. Keep an eye on Campbell at the 2011 IIHF World Juniors in Buffalo, as he's sure to be the starting goaltender for the defending gold-medalist Team USA. Look for Campbell to see NHL time next season, as Kari Lehtonen has been plagued with injuries throughout his career, and the Dallas Stars have little depth at Goalie.
3. Anders Lindback - Nashville Predators
The 22 year-old Lindback has exploded onto the NHL scene, cementing himself as the Nashville Predators #2 goaltender in just his first season in North America. In 8 games with the Predators this season, Lindback has a very respectable .910 save %. Lindback supports a mammoth 6'6" frame, and at 22, he could have the most potential of any goalie on this list. Look for Lindback to continue to learn at the NHL level with a defensive-minded Predators team, and watch for him to push Rinne for playing time. Lindback is sure so see at least 20 games this season, and is a solid option in keeper leagues. He could push Rinne out the door in 2012 when his 2 year contract is up.
2. Jacob Markstrom - Florida Panthers
The 19 year-old Markstrom is considered by many to be the top goalie prospect in all of hockey, but his first season in North America hasn't been to kind to the 6'3" Swede to date. Markstrom has posted a miserable .880 save % with the Rochester Americans with the AHL, as he continues to adjust to the more physical style of play. However, Markstrom has immense talent, and is sure to see time in the NHL within the near future. Tomas Vokoun is entering the last year of his contract, and a rebuilding Florida Panthers team is likely to deal the veteran before the NHL trading deadline. Look for Markstrom to see chances this season if he can improve his play with the AHL, and will likely be a mainstay with the Florida Panthers next season.
1. Jonathan Bernier - Los Angeles Kings
The 22 year-old Bernier is finally getting a chance to stick in the NHL after he dominated the AHL with the Manchester Monarchs over the past two seasons. Bernier may not have the size of many of the goalies on this list, but his lightning quick reflexes and good positioning give him the best chance to be an elite NHL goaltender. The only thing stopping Bernier is a motivated Jon Quick, who has been solid to date with the Kings this season. The Kings look committed to giving Bernier a chance this season, as he's already played in 7 games. Look for Bernier to continue to see more time going forward, as the Kings have some tough decisions to make between the pipes. Bernier could be used to acquire elite talent to push for a Stanley Cup run, could the top goalie prospect be available?
Allen has thrown himself back into the spotlight with his sensational play this season with the Blues' AHL affiliate in Peoria. Through 9 games, he's sporting a 1.27 G.A.A. and a .962 save %. Allen didn't go through juniors unnoticed either, as he was selected to play for the prestigious Team Canada at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships. It looks like the 20 year-old Allen is starting to put it together in the minors, which should give him a chance at playing #2 behind Jaroslav Halak before the season is over. If the opportunity doesn't present itself, look for Allen to be a key part of a package St. Louis would offer for any elite players at the 2011 NHL trading deadline.
Karlsson makes this list despite just celebrating his 27th birthday, because of his massive 6'6" frame, and making the Flames in just his first season in North America. Karlsson could see considerable time in Calgary sooner than later, being the primary backup behind a 34 year old goalie in Miikka Kipprusoff. If the Calgary Flames continue to slide in the Western Conference, don't be surprised to see Karlsson get more playing time in the second half of the season. Having the Sutter brothers on the hot-seat could also be of benefit for Karlsson, as he could be used as trade bait. In any case, don't be surprised to see Karlsson showcase his immense talent, when - not if, he gets a chance at the NHL level.
