Anyone else a little worried about Vasilevskiy next season?

[FrozenInferno]

I'm a little concerned about Vasilevskiy getting hit with a bit of Talbot-itis next season, in other words a goalie who gets hit with a sudden massive starter workload and plays out of his mind only to run into a big hangover the following season. After all he already complained about fatigue late in the season and he's a young pup by goaltending standards.

Based on this seasons performance, his youth, and the strength of his team obviously Vasilevskiy is probably my most valuable long term asset, but I can't help but be weary of him until I can see consistent league-topping play. We all know how fickle goalies can be.

[rtstr]

I would not be worried about Vasilevskiy at all. He is oodles and oodles more talented than Talbot so I don't expect that level of regression. Vas should be a top 5 goalie most years I think.

[lucafen4]

I can see a slight decrease in Wins and numbers, but not a Talbot level collapse. maybe a soft start next year followed by a hot 2nd half? If he starts the season like Luongo, BUY BUY BUY - cuz he'll be lights out when it counts.

[Axeman33]

I am not worried.

Thats not to say something wont happen, but why worry about it until it happens.

[fungchen3]

Vasilevskiy has been a groomed stud for years but Bishop was in the way. He had elite potential and now he's living up to expectations. He had an insane season but I fully expect him to be a Top-5 goalie for the next 10 years.

[FrozenInferno]

I'm glad everybody is feeling confident about him. Between him and Bobrovsky (an offseason trade acquisition) I should be in really good shape for goaltending for at least a few more years. I'll still go into the season with expectations in check but I can't complain about that tandem.

[als_revenge]

I think Budaj is a UFA? Wouldn't surprised me if TB looked for a solid vet G back up to lighten Vas' schedule a tiny bit next year. But no point in worrying about him falling off a cliff. There's nothing to suggest that, and it's pointless trying to predict goalies. Just be thankful you own him

[Axeman33]

I think Budaj is a UFA? Wouldn't surprised me if TB looked for a solid vet G back up to lighten Vas' schedule a tiny bit next year. But no point in worrying about him falling off a cliff. There's nothing to suggest that, and it's pointless trying to predict goalies. Just be thankful you own him

Budaj wasn't even his backup in the playoffs, Domingue was. Tells ya where TB values Budaj on the depth chart.

[lucafen4]

Budaj wasn't even his backup in the playoffs, Domingue was. Tells ya where TB values Budaj on the depth chart.

Likely it'll be Domingue for a couple years.. until Ingram is ready to challenge

[stevegamer]

Not really, as they aren't that similar as players.

1. In 3 years, Vasilevskiy (hereafter just Vas) will be as old as Talbot was when Talbot broke into the NHL. Major talent level difference.

2. Vas has been groomed to be the next guy in Tampa, which has been consistently good. Talbot needed to move on from his backup job in New York to get a starting job, and it was on a bad team. Major development difference.

3. In Talbot's big year, which was his second as a team's starter - 56 games - the Oilers were suddenly very good. In Vas' big year, which was his second as a team's starter - 50 games - the Lightning were very good, again. The Oilers failed to repeat their success the following year. Tampa has missed the playoffs once, by 1 point in the last 5 years. Edmonton has made the playoffs once in the last 12 years. Major team quality difference.

Vas has been very good so far in his career, but not yet great. He hasn't entered the typical prime years yet. He's very young to be a NHL starter, and that's a positive. Yes, his production may bounce around, but don't worry about it.

[pmorrow]

I feel much more comfortable with Vas than Talbot a year ago, that d core will be a huge help even if Vas does take a bit of a step back. There is/was no Hedman in Edmonton. Goalies are up and down, and maybe Vas does have a down year, but I see no obvious signs of him cratering.

[35KrazyKanuck]

Vasilevskiy has been a groomed stud for years but Bishop was in the way. He had elite potential and now he's living up to expectations. He had an insane season but I fully expect him to be a Top-5 goalie for the next 10 years.

Who do you think the other 4 goalies going to be..

[FinnishFlash]

All logic dictates that Vas should be a top 5 to 10 goalie for a long time, but goalies are voodoo..... so yeah, your guess is as good as mine.

[havanablast21]

Not really. Different goalies. Different situations. Different Pedigrees. Different Teams/support staff. Different career Trajectories.

Talbot, quite frankly, is a back up who found a starting gig. And I believe he’ll bounce back. But Vas is a targeted tender who has been groomed for this role with his team. He beat out a younger, near as good Bishop vs Talbot being jetissoned in favour of the older Lundy.

Talbot is NOT the bar to which Vas’ career is set by IMO.

[hockeyrobot]

Im not really worried at all.. TB is going to be an elite team with plenty of elite players.

That being said he probably won't have as good numbers just because he had such an incredible start this season.