Examining the Penguins’ Deepness at Goaltender

As the Pittsburgh Penguins progress towards the start of training school, the company appears to have even more deepness at the NHL degree than it has in a couple of years.

And there is, maybe, no setting with even more deepness than goaltending.

On June 20, the Penguins re-signed goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, apparently strengthening strategies to run it back with the very same goaltending tandem they had in 2023-24. Tristan Jarry, that authorized a five-year, $26.875 million agreement last summer season and gets on the hook for 4 even more years, numbers to inhabit the various other fifty percent of the tandem.

It’s obvious, nonetheless, that the Penguins’ tandem of Nedeljkovic and Jarry included a variety of outcomes. Despite the fact that the Penguins placed 13th in overall team goaltending with a consolidated.903 save percent, their individual numbers rarely satisfied.

Jarry placed 36th amongst certified goaltenders in save percent at.903 and had a decent-but-not excellent 2.6 goals saved above expected, ranking 31st. Nedeljkovic placed 39th in conserve percent at.902. and kipped down a sub-par -3.3 objectives conserved over anticipated.

Simply put, although the tandem was alright, they might make use of some insurance policy. And they have that in the kind of a couple of leads that are knocking at the door in Joel Blomqvist, Taylor Gauthier, and Sergei Murashov.


Joel Blomqvist

Prepared: 2020 2nd-Round Choose (52nd total), Pittsburgh

Age: 22

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

Blomqvist, a 2024 AHL All-Star, shows up all set to take the following action at the NHL degree, which is what decided to revive Nedeljkovic a little bit confusing. Blomqvist was remembered briefly by the Penguins on an emergency situation basis last period, however he did not make his NHL launching.

That must alter this period. Blomqvist getting on the cusp, specifically with 2 various other leads waiting in the wings straight behind him, signals that the company worths having him as insurance policy for the NHL tandem. It might likewise possibly be an indicator that GM and POHO Kyle Dubas intends to have a brief chain and might check out trading among his NHL goaltenders eventually this period to get even more draft funding and/or leads, which has been rumored for quite a while.

Regardless, there is a great deal to such as concerning Blomqvist. His rebound control might make use of some job, however virtually whatever else has a look at. Pens followers must anticipate to see him at some time this period.


Taylor Gauthier

Prepared: Undrafted (authorized to ELC by Pittsburgh in 2022)

Age: 23

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

– AHL: 1-2-1;.889 SV%; 3.87 GAA

– ECHL: 24-16-1;.923 SV%; 2.23 GAA

In spite of winning the Nick Vitucci honor for ECHL Goaltender of the Year in 2023-24, Gauthier’s ceiling is most likely either as an AHL starter or NHL backup, at finest. Although he set up good numbers for WBS in 2022-23, the deepness of goaltending skill in the Penguins’ company will likely obstruct him from making a significant effect.

It’s feasible that he begins the year as Blomqvist’s back-up in WBS, and – specifically if Blomqvist does see prolonged time at the NHL degree – he might have an additional opportunity to show himself at the AHL degree. If he does upload strong numbers, he’s likewise somebody that might possibly be made use of as a profession chip if a practical profession possibility develops.

No matter, he will certainly be a great choice to have in the system to make certain that the Penguins have some versatility and choices at the setting, specifically provided Jarry’s injury background.


Sergei Murashov

Prepared: 2022 4th-Round Choose (118th total), Pittsburgh

Age: 20

2023-24 Statistics (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 is one goaltending possibility that Penguins’ followers must be thrilled around, it’s Murashov.

This child is mosting likely to be great. Potentially, truly great. He has actually currently developed as one of the organization’s finest goaltending leads and hung around in both the KHL, Russia’s leading expert organization, and the MHL, its leading advancement organization, last period.

He excited in both. In between both organizations from 2021-24,Murashov has never had a save percentage below .925 He fasts, he’s sports, his spatial recognition is progressed, and he has excellent puck impulses. And, most notably, in his KHL video games, he’s verified he can deal with the stress of dipping into greater degrees of hockey.

Both Murashov and Blomqvist have actually currently reported to Pittsburgh, and Murashov authorized his ELC in July. There is currently some dispute regarding whether Murashov or Gauthier will certainly obtain the 2nd goaltending area in WBS, and this might be something that the Penguins establish as training school unravels.

Nevertheless, remain to maintain a careful eye on Murashov’s advancement, as he has all the devices and ingredients of a future franchise business 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?



Check Also

Connor Bedard’s Leading 5 Gamings As A Blackhawks Newbie in 2023-24 

All eyes got on Connor Bedard last period offered the unmatched buzz bordering the No. …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *