Which goalie is the closest to starting gig?

[shovelguy]

Given these goalies, which one do you think is the closest to a starting gig?

Bachman
Allen
Desjardins
Fasth
Lack
Khudobin
Poulin
Nhilstorp

I think Bachman (might be deemed trade bait - New Jesey/Toronto maybe? - with Nhilstorp as back up) and Poulin myself.

Lack is a talent but looking at how Vancouver has hung on to Schnieder, I can't see him getting a shot at a gig anytime soon.

Montreal just recently acquired Desjardins so I can't see him getting out from under Prices shadow anytime soon.

Fasth and Khudobin are the wild cards in my opinion of the list though I think Fasth is the better goalie between the two.

All opinions welcomed and if I can squeeze some rep out of my water pistol of a rep gun, I will.

[ericdaoust]

Bachman closest to starting gig (20+ starts under Lehtonen to give him exposure) and Lack has the most long-term potential.

[arctic_rogue]

I agree with Eric. Bachman due to Lehtonen's injury history would be the closest. Out of the bunch, I'd also take Lack for upside.

With that said, an injury to a starter could thrust a lot of those guys into the spotlight

[DerekReese]

I think Bachman will get the most starts once the season gets going. But most are an injury away from starting.

You should post this in the Goalie Guild Fantasy mailbag and Goalie guru Justin will answer for you.

[Kofax]

Any way you can include Matt Hackett on that list? I would think he has a better path than at least half of those guys.

But I agree, Bachman is the clear cut winner as to who's in front of him.

[Bass56]

Is Greiss in the mix as well?

[robmyatt]

In order of opportunity I would say would my top 3 are Bachman, Khudobin & Poulin.
All have starters in front of them but those starters have some history of injury and the above mentioned names are very talented goalies that could steal some significant playing time should the starter have a slump.

[dongjohnson]

Bachman may be closer to a starting gig, but his potential as a primary goalie is likely very limited. He's not proven much yet in the NHL but more importantly, I've watched him play and wasn't at all blown away. His play judgment (e.g. thinking and predicting what will come) seemed poor. He bailed himself out with reflexes on a number of occasions and you can't do that forever. On top of that, his size is going to make it tough for him to succeed with a solid D in front of him, and I don't know if that exists in Dallas.

That list is a tough one though. I agree Lack has perhaps best long term potential. I also think there's a small chance Khudobin could end up starting in spells in the next year or two. Rask seemed prone to mental lapses and perhaps injury too.

[Fast Tony DeNiro]

Strictly closest to a starting job, I say Kevin Poulin. Nabokov is not the long-term answer for the Isles, he's keeping the seat warm until one of Poulin or Nilsson establish themselves. I feel Poulin will get the first crack at taking over in New York, although Nilsson is very strong competition.

Bachman might take over as the #1 in Dallas if Lehtonen gets injured (which I'm not banking on at this point, saying a lot compared to two years ago).....but the point there is whenever Lehtonen does return, he takes his job back. Bachman is not stealing that job anytime soon.

Desjardins is an interesting player as I don't see him starting in Montreal anytime soon, but I do think he might have a starting job somewhere in his future. Just not sure when that could be and I wouldn't be betting on it super heavy at this point.

Lack has probably the highest ceiling of any one player on this list, but obviously being in Vancouver is going to limit his opportunity. And seeing how long the Canucks kept Schneider in the AHL or a backup role, it could be a long time before Lack gets his shot somewhere.

So to specifically answer the OP question, it's Poulin for me.

[Axeman33]

Given the injury history of Jonas Hillier, I would give serious consideration to Fasth. Bachman will get some starts but Lehtonen is shedding his BAB status and is showing a lot more stability then he has in the past.

I agree with others though that Eddie Lack has the best long term talent to becoming a full time starter in the league.

[Carcillo]

Bachman may be closer to a starting gig, but his potential as a primary goalie is likely very limited. He's not proven much yet in the NHL but more importantly, I've watched him play and wasn't at all blown away. His play judgment (e.g. thinking and predicting what will come) seemed poor. He bailed himself out with reflexes on a number of occasions and you can't do that forever. On top of that, his size is going to make it tough for him to succeed with a solid D in front of him, and I don't know if that exists in Dallas.

I agree with this. I can't see Bachman ever becoming #1 goalie in NHL.

Poulin is the closest of the starting gig but even he is far from sure bet. Nilsson is surpassing him on the depth charts fast.

[arctic_rogue]

Given the injury history of Jonas Hillier, I would give serious consideration to Fasth. Bachman will get some starts but Lehtonen is shedding his BAB status and is showing a lot more stability then he has in the past.

I agree with others though that Eddie Lack has the best long term talent to becoming a full time starter in the league.

Honestly asking here, does Hiller really have that much of an injury history? I know about the vertigo, but not much else that was major.

[shovelguy]

Thanks for the replies all. Lots to consider obviously when the list of goalies are all back ups whenever the puck drops again.

[JAC123]

Sorry to jump on his late, but does anyone know where Bachman is playing this year?
I know it isn't in th AHL, but can't find him.
Thanks in advance!

[Axeman33]

Sorry to jump on his late, but does anyone know where Bachman is playing this year?
I know it isn't in th AHL, but can't find him.
Thanks in advance!

I don't see him playing anywhere either. He's probably like a lot of other NHL players signed on a one way contract, sitting around working out privately waiting for the lockout to end.