[Cali Panthers Fan]

So one of my options was likely removed for next year with Ramo being out through training camp. My scenario now requires getting 2 bonafide NHL goaltenders for next season. I don't see any of Ortio, Poulin, or Gillies being anywhere close to regular duty.

Let's stick with Montoya as an option, and I propose that the only way to get a guy worth having is via the trade route.

I propose the idea of going after Ben Bishop.

Here's why: Andrei Vasilevsky. The organization really believes in the 21 year old, and could be poised to take the plunge with him as their main guy. In backup duties this year he has at least been solid, with moments of excellence. Also, the Lightning have more than just the Stamkos issue when it comes to the cap. Beyond him, they also have several high end RFAs that will need re-signing this off-season, most due for a significant raise.

Nikita Kucherov: Currently making just over $700 K. Leads their team with 48 points this year without the help of Tyler Johnson who was his main set up man last year. Had 65 points last year. He's become a top line winger that will likely replace Stamkos should he move on. No chance they can pay him anything under $4 M.

Vladislav Namestnikov: Currently making around $875 K. Is a solid 2nd line option that has produced 26 points in 55 games, so a little over 0.5 PP, but more importantly, has a team leading +15. He's a guy that plays both ends of the ice very well and consequently, will command much more than he's currently making. No less than $2.5 M.

Alex Killorn: Currently making about $2.5 M. He's another solid 2nd/3rd line winger who plays both ends of the ice well. Has averaged around 0.5 PPG for the last few years. He's coming off his bridge contract, and will likely want a contract closer to what he would get as a UFA. They might want to buy some UFA years, so factor that in too. With his age and previous accomplishments he likely gets around $4 M.

J.T. Brown: Currently making about $950 K. Brown is a prototypical 3rd liner, but like Killorn, will be turning 26 this off-season and will be closer to UFA status. He may not get a significant raise because his stats aren't overwhelming, but chances are he'll get close to $1.5-$2 M.

Nikita Nesterov: Currently making about $750 K. Nesterov has come in and given reliable minutes most nights on the 3rd pairing. With the Lightning likely to let Braydon Coburn go to UFA status, Nesterov is the most likely candidate to replace his spot in the lineup. With that likely comes a fairly substantial raise, even if he only plays 3rd pairing minutes. Likely set to make around $1.5-$2 M.

Cedric Paquette and Jonathan Marchessault are both 4th liners that will likely get a small raise. Between them, you could likely add about $1 M to the cap.

So, adding up all the expected raises for RFAs you can see an increase of about $10 M to their cap. If they lose BOTH Stamkos and Coburn they can afford all those players and have room to re-sign Vasilevsky next year. However, IF they have any desire to retain Stamkos (which is up in the air at this point), they would have to rid themselves of another large salary to fit him.

Ben Bishop is set to make $5.95 M next year. His Save% has been very consistent over the last 5 years hovering around the .920 mark. His career GAA is just 2.32. He's only 29 and he'll have lots of good years left until we have a young goalie ready to take over.

The Lightning can't afford him, and they have a stud young goalie ready to break through as early as next year. I say Treliving goes hard after him in the off-season. I'd even be ok with giving up someone like Kylington, Anderson, or Hickey in return.

I can't watch another season of sub-par goaltending. Please Brad, fix this problem. Give this young team some hope that their mistakes will be forgiven by an above average goaltender. Make it happen.