Toronto Maple Leafs First Priority, A Top Backup Goalie
Because the Leafs backups won only seven of the 19 games they started, that 7-11-1 record costs them dearly in the standings. As a result of the Penguins Marc-Andre Fleury playing brilliantly when needed and the Caps Philipp Grubauer reliable in every start, the Capitals and Penguins finished well ahead of the Leafs.
Fleury filled in for injured starter Matt Murray posting an 18-10-7 record, banking 42 of a possible 70 points. (.600 winning %) Grubauer helped rest iron man Braydon Holtby for 21 starts. Going 13-6-2 in his backup role he banked 28 of a possible 42 points (.700 winning %). Furthermore, that is the quality goaltending the Leafs need to take the next step. A good team to an elite team. 10 to 20 points. 5 to 10 extra wins.
Seven points will come based on luck. The Leafs will not lose 15 overtime and shootout games next season. The new backup needs to win 5 more games than they lose.
Brian Elliot is the Man for the Toronto Maple Leafs
The Calgary Flames had goaltending questions throughout the 2015-16 season. Their solution was to trade for half of St. Louis Blues longtime goalie tandem. As a result of that trade, a season worth forgetting for Brian Elliot and the Flames. Because Elliot was a bust as a starter, he needs an opportunity to put his career back on track. The Toronto Maple Leafs need a goalie who can start 30 games next season. In addition, that is a light workload compared to Elliot’s history. If a short-term injury befalls Frederick Andersen, Brian Elliot is capable of going on a consecutive game run.
It seems a perfect scenario for both parties.
Brian Elliott will be a free agent July 1, 2017. It is doubtful that the Flames have an interest in retaining him. With the trade for Mike Smith from Arizona, Elliot is the odd man out. Is it possible the LVGK select him? Anything is possible.
With his pedigree, Brian Elliot is my first choice as the Toronto Maple Leafs backup for the 2017-18 season.
What would you do?
all stats: hockey-reference.com, hockeydb.com, rotoworld.com