Quote:
Originally Posted by kirant
What do you think is the upside on Irving? I've always compared him to a Jonas Hiller in play style (heavily invested in his positioning and will be one of the premier 1st stop goalies in the league), but is that also an accurate representation of how far he can get in the league? Or is that over/under?
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Your absolutely right regarding his positioning and being a first stop goalie, but that's not to say he gives up for 2nd and 3rd saves as well. I don't know how Jonas Hiller plays so I can't compare Irving to him, but he is one of the best goalies I've seen positionally. He has great puck handling skills as well. I've rarely seen him get in the way of a defenseman chasing the same puck.
As for his upside: I see him as being a lot like James Reimer. Exactly the same age, a little lighter and shorter. The kicker is, Irving has had numbers in the AHL than Reimer. Whether that translates as well to the NHL, I don't know. It's just really too bad they signed Karlsson for two years because I have a feeling we're going to lose Irving.