Let me be clear: it’s not like Colorado should finish 28th in the league this season. But even with Anderson playing well in goal, they seem like more of a playoff bubble team. It will be very difficult for the Avs to win a playoff series if they don’t start dominating their opponents on the shot tables.
In fact, I think Anderson and fellow career back Ty Conklin are examples of the value that can be found in solid, cheap goalies who have a proven track record of being productive. On the other hand, Scott Clemmensen is the ultimate contract year goalie; remember, GMs, when someone comes out of nowhere you might want to make sure they can produce for more than one season.
First, let’s look at their contracts (compiled from Capgeek.com).Craig Anderson: 2 year, $3.625 million
Ty Conklin: 2 year, $2.6 million
Scott Clemmensen: 3 year, $3.6 million
Anderson:
(contract year: 15-7-5, 2.71 GAA, 92.4 save % with 3 SOs)
(this year: 35-19-5, 2.46 GAA, 92.0 save % with 7 SOs)
Conklin:
(contract year: 25-11-2, 2.51 GAA, 90.9 save % with 6 SOs)
(this year: 8-8-1, 2.60 GAA, 92 save % with 3 SOs)
Clemmensen:
(contract year: 25-13-1, 2.39 GAA, 91.7 save % with 2 SOs)
(this year: 5-6-0, 3.62 GAA, 89 save % with 0 SOs)
Clemmensen is the backup goalie’s version of Cristobal Huet. He came from nowhere, had a nice hot streak and suckered a team into a longer than deserved contract. Naturally, his deal isn’t nearly as damaging as Huet’s but the Panthers aren’t going to feel very comfortable putting Clemmensen in even though Vokoun is known for being a bit fragile.
So, once again, I must continue my crusade. If you’re going to pay a goalie big bucks, don’t do it because of some dream of him maintaining a Cinderella season. Consistency is the key.