Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger recently signed an eight-year contract extension, and that’s bad news for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Let’s explore why a seemingly unrelated occurrence around the NHL could have a profound impact on the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Since the start of the regular season, three starting goaltenders have signed new contracts. First, Jeremy Swayman signed with the Boston Bruins for eight years at $8.25 million AAV. Then, Linus Ullmark inked a four-year deal with the Ottawa Senators with an AAV of $8.25 million. Then, Oettinger signed for $8.25 AAV. (puckpedia.com).
There is a clear trend here, isn’t there?
Jake Oettinger’s extension looks like bad news for the Toronto Maple Leafs
All of these three goaltenders signed for the same cap hit, meaning that’s where the market currently stands on top-tier starting netminders. That’s bad news for the Toronto Maple Leafs because it signals that the club can’t go el cheapo route on a top-tier starting goaltender.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I think Anthony Stolarz is doing a fine job. He’s been right up there with just about any starting goaltender this season. With a $2.5 million cap hit, Stolarz could be the steal of the season.
But how many times can the Leafs find great goalies on cheap contracts?
If the Leafs truly want to get a high-quality, top-of-the-line goaltender, they’ll have to pony up the cash. The problem is not finding the money. The Leafs have $8.25 million lying around in the couch cushions. The issue lies with cap space.
As it stands, the Leafs don’t have the cap space to sign anyone like Ullmark, Oettinger, or Swayman.
Thus far, the Stolarz experiment is paying off handsomely. In four games, he’s got a 1-79 GAA and a .937 SV%. His performance against the New York Rangers last Saturday night was excellent.
But there’s one catch: Stolarz is 30. While 30 is the new 40, there’s no telling how long Stolarz can keep up this sort of performance. If anything, Stolarz could be a one-hit wonder. But would be it realistic to give Stolarz an eight-year $66 million deal?
You be the judge.
I’m not writing off Joseph Woll, but the evidence isn’t on his side. He got a hefty pay raise and has yet to play a single regular-season game this season.
Then, there’s Dennis Hildeby. He could be the long-term answer for the Leafs. He’s looked good thus far and could be the first homegrown goalie to backstop the Leafs to a playoff run since Felix Potvin.
But that’s mere speculation at this point.
The fact of the matter is that if the Leafs want to pursue a true number-one guy, someone who can steal games for them and lead the club during a lengthy playoff run, the Leafs will need to clear cap space. Doing some may involve some tough-love decisions this year and beyond.