Ranking every NHL starting goalie 31-21
72. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. G. . Thomas Greiss. 29. player
Despite the Detroit Red Wings being a complete train wreck last season, Jonathan Bernier managed to have himself a fairly solid year. He faired much better than Jimmy Howard, who had one of the worst statistical campaigns by an NHL goalie in quite some time, and as a result was not re-signed and remains an unrestricted free agent.
The Red Wings instead decided to sign Thomas Greiss, who has mainly been considered a 1B goaltender throughout his NHL career. His numbers in those roles, in which he generally has received about 40 starts a season, have been quite impressive and he played a key role in the New York Islanders’ recent success, though it remains to be seen how he would fair with a heavier workload.
At this point, it doesn’t seem like the Red Wings have decided on a clear cut starter. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see them go with a near 50/50 split, unless one vastly outplays the other. If they do elect to use them like that, this could actually turn out to be a decent tandem going forward.
However, given that the Red Wings will likely struggle again this upcoming season, it could be a long year for both goaltenders.
Devan Dubnyk. 28. Pick Analysis. G. . player. 120. Scouting Report
This duo, with how they both played last year, could easily be argued to be 30th on this list. Martin Jones, in particular, has been horrendous for the last two seasons, including going 17-21-2 with a .896 Save Percentage and a 3.00 Goals Against Average in 2019-20.
Prior to his struggles, however, he was a very solid starting goalie in the NHL. Perhaps the addition of Devan Dubnyk this offseason, a goalie who is very capable of cutting into his playing time, could be the motivation he needs to rediscover his game.
As for Dubnyk, he was a very capable starting goalie up until this past season, where he struggled in front of a subpar Minnesota Wild team. It could easily just be chalked up as an off year, but there is concern given that he is 34-years-old. If he is able to re-elevate his play, this could be a great pickup for the San Jose Sharks.
Like the Bernier/Greiss situation in Detroit, it is unknown who the starter will be in this system. It is something that Sharks Head Coach Bob Boughner himself probably doesn’t know yet either. It wouldn’t be surprising to see them also go with a 1A and a 1B approach and ride the hot hand throughout the season.
If either of these goalies is able to have a good year, the Sharks could be in store for a huge bounceback season. Right now though, it is hard to have much confidence in this duo.
G. Petr Mrazek. player. . 27. 109. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
It is extremely hard to get a read on Carolina Hurricanes goalie Petr Mrazek. He has the athleticism to make some of the best highlight reel saves in the league, but is also very inconsistent and is prone to giving up soft goals. That description explains his first four seasons in the league with Detroit and has continued to be true through his first two seasons with the Canes.
One big positive going forward for Mrazek is that he plays on a great team with one of the best bluelines in the entire NHL. They are also a very young team, so they will only continue getting better. Playing with a roster like the Hurricanes have may finally help him turn into a top NHL starter like so many have thought he would become.
There is still time for Mrazek, though not much, as he is now 28-years-old. Goalies are known to take longer to develop than other forwards and defenseman, so perhaps this is the year Mrazek is able to find consistency. He certainly has the talent to be a top tier starter. If he is not able to, the Hurricanes may have a different starting netminder for the 2021-22 season.