Article: The Wild's Depth In Net Is Becoming An Organizational Strength

[Neil Urbanski]

View full article

[FredJohnson]

One of em is bound to be decent, no?!

[bisopher]

I'll be contrary and say Hlavaj could have the inside track as Gus' backup in 25-26.  He had a better season than the Wall, and he's two years older.  Give the Wall a full year in Iowa to show he's capable of being a #1, and then move to Wall + Vaj as the tandem after Gus leaves as a FA or is traded.  

Or, swap Wall and Vaj and keep the same (Wall + Vaj) long-term plan.

[Neil Urbanski]

2 hours ago, bisopher said:

I'll be contrary and say Hlavaj could have the inside track as Gus' backup in 25-26.  He had a better season than the Wall, and he's two years older. 

That's an interesting thought, but I also don't know if Hlavaj has ever reached the level of play that Wallstedt has when he's been at his best. Prior to this season, Hlavaj's highest level of play, besides short international tournaments, was in the Czech league. Wallstedt had two seasons of high-level performance in the Swedish league as a teenager, and that league is a giant step above the Czech league. He also was mostly excellent in the AHL last season. 

All this to say that while Hlavaj had the better season this year, Wallstedt has the better track record, and also high a higher ceiling. BUT, if he does come in and outplay Wallstedt early next season, I don't doubt the org would seriously consider giving him a look if needed. 

A lot will hinge on whether they sign a veteran too, and on who that vet is. 
 

[mnfaninnc]

If Vaj is ready to compete with The Wall for the backup position behind Goose, I don't see why we need another "vet" goalie taking up space. 

This much is needed, The Wall has got to see NHL shooters. We need our expectations tempered to know he will have an acclimation period. The Wall has learned all he can from the A, just slot him in. 

Both goalies come from the same developmental system. I think what we will find is that The Wall is better at tracking pucks than Goose and will eventually supplant him. Anything >$5m on the next contract for Goose will be a mistake. Goose's success has been mostly due to a system and defenders in front of him. We've seen what Goose looks like when he has to do it himself. I also wouldn't resign him until January when we will have an idea whether he is a #1, or an every other year goalie. There is no race to have him signed.

Bisopher also has a decent suggestion, and it is a viable option if Goose demands too much. Perhaps trading him out would provide us with something we need and we can backfill with The Wall and Vaj? I would suggest it be an actual player/prospect and not a pick.