NHL: Ranking the starting goaltenders of the Central Division

Freshly signed to a three-year, $11 million contract, Cam Talbot is now the number one option in Minnesota. Talbot had a solid pandemic-shortened season, registering a record of 12-10-1, with a 2.63 GAA and a .919 SV%. He played well for Calgary, earning the trust of head coach Geoff Ward and getting the nod as the starter come the postseason.

Talbot should be a serviceable goaltender for the Wild if he continues to post similar numbers to last season. In 2019-20, the 33-year old had a QS% of 50 while only tallying two RBS and compiling a GSAA of 7.53.

Where he has to improve is making big saves, especially those from high-quality chances. Talbot finished with a below-average .799 HDSV%, but he did post a 1.36 HDGAA, which was good for 23rd. Talbot has yet to transition to a new home flawlessly, so expect some hiccups from the goaltender during his first year in the state of hockey.

It is still not confirmed that Saros will officially end Pekka Rinne’s reign in Nashville’s goal, but a Henrik Lundqvist-like situation is brewing in Smashville. Saros was the Predators’ starter in the postseason, and all signs point to him remaining in that role next year. He finished 2019-20 with a 17-12-4 record to go along with a 2.70 GAA and a .917 SV%.

Saros had always been a serviceable backup, making a tough transition to the starting job rather seamlessly. He had a QS% of 61.8 and a GSAA of 5.26 while tallying just three RBS. The 25-year old benefited from Rinne’s tutelage, remaining calm and poised despite some long offensive stretches by the opposition.

Saros did struggle in high-danger chances, recording a .798 HDSV% and a 1.65 HDGAA, numbers that will have to improve in 2021. Yet, the Finnish netminder had an excellent season and should improve upon his numbers if given a distinct role right out of the gate.