Analyzing the Penguins' Depth at Goaltender

Because the Pittsburgh Penguins make headway towards the start of coaching camp, the group appears to have extra depth on the NHL stage than it has in a number of years.

And there’s, maybe, no place with extra depth than goaltending.

On June 20, the Penguins re-signed goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, seemingly solidifying plans to run it again with the identical goaltending tandem they’d in 2023-24. Tristan Jarry, who signed a five-year, $26.875 million contract final summer time and is on the hook for 4 extra years, figures to occupy the opposite half of the tandem.

It is no secret, nevertheless, that the Penguins’ tandem of Nedeljkovic and Jarry got here with a blended bag of outcomes. Although the Penguins ranked 13th in overall team goaltending with a mixed .903 save proportion, their individual numbers didn’t impress.

Jarry ranked thirty sixth amongst certified goaltenders in save proportion at .903 and had a decent-but-not nice 2.6 goals saved above expected, rating thirty first amongst certified goaltenders. Nedeljkovic ranked thirty ninth in save proportion at .902. and turned in a mediocre -3.3 objectives saved above anticipated.

In different phrases, though the tandem was okay, they might use some insurance coverage. They usually have that within the type of some prospects who’re knocking on the door in Joel Blomqvist, Taylor Gauthier, and Sergei Murashev.

Joel Blomqvist

Drafted: 2020 2nd-Spherical Choose (52nd general), Pittsburgh

Age: 22

2023-24 Stats (AHL, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton): 25-12-6; .921 SV%; 2.16 GAA

Blomqvist, a 2024 AHL All-Star, seems able to take the subsequent step on the NHL stage, which is what made the choice to convey again Nedeljkovic a bit puzzling. Blomqvist was recalled briefly by the Penguins on an emergency foundation final season, however he didn’t make his NHL debut.

That ought to change this season. Blomqvist being on the cusp, particularly with two different prospects ready within the wings straight behind him, indicators that the group values having him as insurance coverage for the NHL tandem. It might additionally probably be an indication that GM and POHO Kyle Dubas plans to have a brief leash and should discover buying and selling one in all his NHL goaltenders in some unspecified time in the future this season to accumulate extra draft capital and/or prospects, which has been rumored for quite a while.

In any case, there’s a lot to love about Blomqvist. His rebound management might use some work, however just about all the pieces else checks out. Pens followers ought to count on to see him someday this season.

Taylor Gauthier

Drafted: Undrafted (signed to ELC by Pittsburgh in 2022)

Age: 23

2023-24 Stats (AHL, ECHL (Wheeling Nailers):

– AHL: 1-2-1; .889 SV%; 3.87 GAA

– ECHL: 24-16-1; .923 SV%; 2.23 GAA

Regardless of profitable the Nick Vitucci award for ECHL Goaltender of the Year in 2023-24, Gauthier’s ceiling is probably going both as an AHL starter or NHL backup, at finest. Though he put up respectable numbers for WBS in 2022-23, the depth of goaltending expertise within the Penguins’ group will possible block him from making a big impact.

It is attainable that he begins the 12 months as Blomqvist’s backup in WBS, and – particularly if Blomqvist does see prolonged time on the NHL stage – he could have one other probability to show himself on the AHL stage. If he does put up strong numbers, he is additionally somebody who might probably be used as a commerce chip if a wise commerce alternative arises.

Regardless, he can be choice to have within the system to make sure that the Penguins have some flexibility and choices on the place, particularly given Jarry’s harm historical past.

Sergei Murashov

Drafted: 2022 4th-Spherical Choose (118th general), Pittsburgh

Age: 20

2023-24 Stats (KHL, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl; MHL, Loko Yaroslavl):

– KHL: 3-1-2; .925 SV%; 1.84 GAA

– MHL: 24-4-2; .930 SV%; 2.03 GAA

If there’s one goaltending prospect that Penguins’ followers must be enthusiastic about, it is Murashov.

This child goes to be good. Probably, actually good. He has already blossomed as one of many league’s finest goaltending prospects and frolicked in each the KHL, Russia’s prime skilled league, and the MHL, its prime growth league, final season.

He impressed in each. Between each leagues from 2021-24, Murashov has never had a save percentage below .925. He is fast, he is athletic, his spatial consciousness is superior, and he has nice puck instincts. And, most significantly, in his KHL video games, he is confirmed he can deal with the pressures of enjoying at greater ranges of hockey.

Each Murashov and Blomqvist have already reported to Pittsburgh, and Murashov signed his ELC in July. There’s already some debate as as to whether Murashov or Gauthier will get the second goaltending spot in WBS, and this can be one thing that the Penguins decide as coaching camp unfolds.

Nonetheless, proceed to maintain a watchful eye on Murashov’s growth, as he has all of the instruments and makings of a future franchise goaltender.

Related: Penguins Sign Goaltending Prospect to Entry-Level Contract

Related: Penguins Decide to Run it Back With Jarry and Nedeljkovic

Related: Where does Rutger McGroarty fit in the Penguins’ lineup?