Need a goalie. Who?

[jimc21]

I just made a trade and I need a goalie. I was planning to roll with only Price and Fleury, but obviously Price is out for a while so I need to cover that roster spot. I could choose to keep this third guy though and roll three, so I'm not entirely sure if I'm looking for a short-term patch or a long-term investment. We have four minimum starts, so once Price comes back, I feel pretty confident I would get four from him and Fleury, at least until Murray comes back. Here's who's available:

Niemi and Lehtonen (one is as a bad as the other, right?)
Smith
Zatkoff
Reimer
Helly
Vasilevskiy
Bernier
Howard
Montoya
Ward

Vasilevskiy seems like a good long-term investment, especially if a trade ever gets made. But he won't get a ton of starts right now. Montoya could be a good handcuff, and he's obviously going to get most of Price's starts right now. Zatkoff has not played well, but he's obviously the LAK starter. The others all seem like guys who won't get a ton of starts, or are on bad teams. Advice? Thanks!

[habs7079]

Would be Helly, then Smith or Bernier for me. Lots could change, but right now Helly looks like the best option, being on what should be a competitive team and only facing weak competition from Hutchinson. The Jets blue line is pretty mediocre though and he isn't going to be handed then starting job.

Smith is a close second for me. Arz has a strong D group and has enough going on at forward this year to win games regularly. Still a raw team and will have their share of bad stretches, but you should be able to get good value if you're selective in starting him.

Bernier is the wildcard pick. I really like his chances of stealing lots of starts early in the season. He's a familiar face to a new coach that has let it be known there will be a timeshare in Anaheim and in the past has rolled with Bernier over better options (Reimer). Gibson should win the crease in the long haul if he stays healthy, but Bernier is going to be given a lot of looks on the way.

[jimc21]

Thanks Habs. I am a little surprised that you picked Helly, but I really don't follow WPG much. I know that others are high on him as well. Hutch gave up 4 tonight so maybe that makes Helly even more solid as #1. Smith is hot and cold but he's going to get his starts, for sure. I love Bernier as well. Gibby has yet to play a bunch of games, so he may end up being a great choice. I guess I have a tough decision to make. I appreciate the advice!

[Sulla]

Based on your roster you need the starts so I think the option to cause least damage is Montoya... If you need a more surer starter each week would probably be Smith IMO

[GSD]

Based on your roster you need the starts so I think the option to cause least damage is Montoya... If you need a more surer starter each week would probably be Smith IMO

Montoya short term, Helly long term

[jimc21]

I think I'm going for short-term here. If I end up with a long term need, I'll go with Smith or Helly. But right now Montoya is probably my pick. But how about Darling? He figures to get most of the starts on a better team, no? Better short term fix than Montoya?

[Eskimo Brother]

Montoya and Helle would be my recommendations too. Montoya may be simplest because his value drops as soon as Price comes back and you can drop him for another skater.

[joe jones]

helle and bernier for me

[Kylegary Flames]

I know Hellebuyck is considered to be in a 1a/1b situation with Hutchinson, but I think Helle gets more starts. Winnipeg has a solid team, young but skilled, so Helle will get some W's.

[Bass56]

Montoya short term, Helly long term

This exactly! Montaya gives you the guaranteed starts until Price is back so it's like having Price and Fleury but to a lesser extent; a duo you are comfortable rolling with.

Hellebuyck is the most interesting goalie from this list since he offers ''now'' results as well as long term returns. If it was up to me, I would take the risk and roll with him because you never know what could happen in the Pens crease in 1-2 months time so rolling with Price and Fleury alone could potentially put you back in the same boat you are currently in.

[Front89]

Hellebuyck and Vaz for me. Copper said Vaz will likely get 1 start per week min. to keep Bishop fresh and Hellebuyck I think eventually beats out Hutch for the gig in WPG

[GSD]

I think I'm going for short-term here. If I end up with a long term need, I'll go with Smith or Helly. But right now Montoya is probably my pick. But how about Darling? He figures to get most of the starts on a better team, no? Better short term fix than Montoya?

Don't see how Darling gets many starts unless Crawford gets hurt.

[Sulla]

agree with this as look like the Hawks will need their number 1 as often as possible...