Should NHL Teams Invest Heavily in Goaltending?
Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2024 2:20 pm
Hey there! I just read that discussion about whether teams should spend top dollar on goaltending, and I have to say, I’m all in on investing in that position. Look at the recent history of the NHL; the teams that have won the Cup often had elite goaltenders leading the charge. Just think about Vasilevskiy and Bobrovsky – they’ve been game-changers in the playoffs.
Sure, there are examples of goalies who came out of nowhere to win it all, like Binnington and Hill, but those are the exceptions, not the rule. The reality is that the game is faster and more skilled than ever, and having a reliable number one goalie can make all the difference. If I were a GM, I’d be ready to hand out those $8 million contracts without hesitation for a guy like Oettinger or Shesterkin. They can steal games and keep you in the hunt for the Cup.
And yes, health is a huge factor, but that’s true for any player. If you can secure a top-tier goalie, you’re setting your franchise up for success. What do you think? Are you on board with investing big in goaltending, or do you see it differently?
Sure, there are examples of goalies who came out of nowhere to win it all, like Binnington and Hill, but those are the exceptions, not the rule. The reality is that the game is faster and more skilled than ever, and having a reliable number one goalie can make all the difference. If I were a GM, I’d be ready to hand out those $8 million contracts without hesitation for a guy like Oettinger or Shesterkin. They can steal games and keep you in the hunt for the Cup.
And yes, health is a huge factor, but that’s true for any player. If you can secure a top-tier goalie, you’re setting your franchise up for success. What do you think? Are you on board with investing big in goaltending, or do you see it differently?