Schneider
Neuvirth
Rask
Nabokov
Bernier
Schneider's status as a starter by next year is almost a foregone conclusion. Plus, he's the real deal. Vokoun's a FA this summer again and looking for a retirement contract, so if Neuvirth performs well this year the Caps may roll with him instead of resigning Vokoun due to the serious cap space being eaten by the big name skaters (and there are a whack of them in Washington!). Rask's promotion is up to Thomas, but it has to come sooner or later. If not next year, then the year after. But note that Rask is an RFA this summer. Nabokov could take the starting job on the Island right now if he can out duel Montoya, which is quite possible. I just don't like him compared to the upper 3 so I put him 4th, but he's actually probably got the greatest short-term opportunity to win a starting job. Bernier is in tough. A great young goalie with another great young goalie outperforming him ahead of him in line. My guess is one of Quick or Bernier will be moved eventually because they are each good enough to be starters and are both worth some good playoff pieces come deadline time. Don't look for the deal to come this year though, as it likely will with Schneider. Bernier is younger than Schneider and is not an RFA for two more years. Plus his $1.25M is reasonable to carry. Because of the timeline for Bernier, he's at the bottom of my list. Not because of talent.