The New Jersey Devils have a goalie problem. Unfortunately, there are no simple solutions. Jacob Markstrom was awful last season. Even when things appeared to get better after the Olympic break, Markstrom ran out of steam and finished up as one of the worst in the league.
Markstrom’s -13 goals saved above average is one of the 10 worst in the league. It’s a huge problem, especially since Tom Fitzgerald’s parting gift to the Devils was a two-year extension for the aging netminder. Markstrom showed on multiple occasions last season that he cannot be the Devils’ only goaltending option next season.
Here’s the biggest issue beyond the contract: there aren’t good options to replace him. The free agent options are Sergei Bobrovsky, who has the name value but was worse than Markstrom last season, Stuart Skinner, and Connor Ingram. The Devils aren’t taking it on the chin with a buyout or a lopsided trade just to sign a used-up Bobrovsky or trying out Skinner for his third team in a year.
The trade route seems much more likely, but outside the very unlikely Connor Hellebuyck option, the Devils are looking at more question marks. We wrote about Adin Hill this week, but he’s another one who is coming off an awful season. Filip Gustavsson is an interesting option, but he might be expensive and not a sure thing. Jordan Binnington is another option, but, no thanks.
What if the Devils went after another guy who should “come home”? They did that with Sunny Mehta, who grew up in New Jersey as a Devils fan and is now the GM.
Anthony Stolarz could be the answer for the New Jersey Devils in net
Anthony Stolarz was born in Edison and grew up in Jackson. He played his youth hockey for the New Jersey Devils organization. This is a guy who has lived the Devils hockey experience, and the Devils might have a chance to get him.
Stolarz had a rough season. He played 26 games and finished the season with 10 wins. That’s not exactly what you want as a Devils fan, but unlike Adin Hill, there are fewer years to commit to for the Devils. He’s also coming off back-to-back .925+ save percentage seasons.
Stolarz wasn’t a starter, but he is a guy who has shown the ability to be great in a small sample size. With Jake Allen also in net, could this tandem work?
We think so. However, it’s a risk. That’s the theme of the goalie market this offseason. Everyone is a risk. Unfortunately, to save the Devils' core and get them back into the playoffs, Mehta has to take a risk, whether keeping Markstrom or eating some part of his contract and getting someone else. Stolarz is as good an option as any.
Add us as a preferred source on Google