Rewind to the summer of 2002 – the early stages of the new millennium. Ed Belfour, a solid, number one netminder, signed as a free agent with the Toronto Maple Leafs. This marked the last time the Maple Leafs goaltending situation was clear, until now.
Looking at the Toronto Maple Leafs Goaltending Situation
After more than a decade without a bona fide starter, the front office is looking to break the curse through the help of Frederik Andersen.
After the failed stints and constant competition for the crease, James Reimer and Jonathan Bernier, the most recent inhabitants of the net, were shipped away. Andersen comes to Toronto from the Anaheim Ducks for the 30th overall pick in 2016 (Sam Steele) and a second round pick in 2017. The new Leafs goalie put pen to paper shortly after, signing a five-year, $25 million deal.
The acquisition of Andersen brings a change in philosophy from recent Leafs management. Previous front office members welcomed competition between the pipes, preferring not to declare a de facto number one starter. For the first time in a while, the new regime knows exactly who they want. As of now, there’s no goaltending controversy in the Toronto media’s story lines.
Lamoriello on Andersen contract: "He has to know that he's our No. 1 goaltender."
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 20, 2016
Is Andersen the Right Man for the Job?
If there’s anyone who knows goaltenders, it’s General Manager Lou Lamoriello. Just look at his track record with Martin Brodeur and Cory Schneider – it speaks for itself.
To say Andersen will win a Vezina Trophy next season is highly unlikely. He shouldn’t be expected to outperform the likes of Carey Price or Jonathan Quick. What he will bring, though, are stable, sound performances. It’s just what the Leafs need. Coach Mike Babcock‘s systems will allow the team to get the best out of Andersen, especially when it comes to defensive details.
While his contract length and value is somewhat debatable, it’s not overburdening. If he can perform at a league average at best, there won’t be any issues. The 26-year-old Dane will be entering his prime through the middle and end of his contract, meaning that he will be growing with the core of the team. This will prove important to Andersen and the rest of the squad, who can finally be certain about who their man in net is. Seeing how a great goaltender can affect a team, developing with his other comrades will prove costly. After all, it’s such an important position.
https://twitter.com/TSN1040/status/745049657785618432
One of the knocks on Andersen is that he hasn’t really been a number one goalie for a whole season. His career has been slightly hampered by injuries and the most games he’s started in a single campaign is 53. During his 125 career regular season games, though, he’s been effective, posting a 2.33 goals against average (GAA) along with a .918 save percentage.
Ultimately, he alone harnesses the potential to bump the team up a few spots. Although some analysts believe that he could be a great goalie, anything better than the previous goaltending tandems are a significant improvement to the team.
It may be a risk, but the Leafs will take it.
What Happens if He Goes Down?
Leafs nation was briefly palm-in-face for a day or so. Andersen was involved in a collision during a 2018 Olympic qualifying game against Belarus and left the game. In a quick panic, the 2016-17 season was quickly destined for failure.
#Leafs fans reading this Freddy Andersen injury news right now. pic.twitter.com/QFMWfntYvj
— Tim and Friends (@timandfriends) September 2, 2016
Fortunately for everyone in the organization, Andersen is set to only miss three to four weeks. According to the Maple Leafs, “[Andersen] is expected to be ready for the start of the 2016-17 NHL season but will not participate for Team Europe in the World Cup of Hockey 2016.”
Lamoriello is taking no risks with his new starting goaltender.
If by an unfortunate set of circumstances Andersen isn’t ready to go, the Leafs are able to rely on the newly-acquired Jhonas Enroth. With a handful of experience under his belt, Enroth is more than capable of posting decent performances. Seeing as he did not get much playing time with the Los Angeles Kings, Enroth will be looking to get more minutes. He can surely be an effective backup for around 20 to 25 games.
Enroth comes to Toronto after spending time in the Kings, Buffalo Sabres, and Dallas Stars organizations. In 16 appearances last season he produced a .922 save percentage and a 2.17 GAA. In 147 career games, he brings a 2.80 GAA along with a .911 save percentage. His numbers are not spectacular, but they are respectable for a backup. It also helps that his role is defined, unlike Leafs goaltenders in previous seasons. Regardless, the current tandem should fare better than the former Bernier-Reimer duo.
One of the upsides to Enroth’s acquisition is his cost. He comes in at $750,000 for one year. It is low risk, high reward. If it doesn’t work out, it’s cheap and short. If he bodes well, he can be re-upped again. It also buys time for the development of other goalies in the organization such as Garret Sparks, Antoine Bibeau, Joseph Woll, and Kasimir Kaskisuo.
What to Expect From the Tandem
Andersen and Enroth are set to create a solid partnership in net. They have all of the tools needed to set themselves apart from the previous goaltending debacles. They are each certainly able to hold their own in the crease.
In year two of the rebuild, there will still be learning curves and speed bumps, though addressing this area is a good step forward. Goaltending, always such an important position, is also where the Leafs struggled mightily in recent years.
If there’s one thing that Lamoriello should have a say in, it’s goaltending. Toronto can have faith that the front office knows what they’re doing.
Finally, with a solidified crease partnership, the Maple Leafs can begin to puzzle together a serious threat.
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