Quote:
Originally Posted by TheIronMaiden
There are a few articles which suggest that goalies decline after 27. Gillies (24) and Rittich (25) would have to prove that they are NHL starters soon if the Flames are going to plan for them to be starters in the future.
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Most goalies have barely figured out how to tie their skates in pro hockey by the time they're 25. The window for goalies is 2 years?
Hasek was 29 before he became a starter and the only thing that ever declined with him were his ligaments.
Kipper was 27. Arguably never declined, though if he did it was only in the last few months of his career.
Giguere's breakout year was 24. Decline began around age 32 but he was serviceable for years after.
Fleury was underwhelming until he was 23. 33 now, no decline in sight.
Quick didn't have a save % above .920 until he was 26. Nowhere near done.
Mike Smith was a tire fire until he was 29. He was an All Star last year, and his injury is why we missed.
Devan Dubnyk was nearly out of the league and saved his career at 28.
Tim Thomas was in Europe until he was 31. Won a Vezina and Cup after 35.
Ed Belfour was rookie of the year, as a 22-year old and played till he was 42.
Carey Price's most dominant season came at 27.
Martin Jones didn't become a starter until 26.
Trevor Kidd had his best year at 17.
Lundqvist has been Lundqvist his whole career. That's rare. Brodeur, Roy, these aren't normal for goalies to step right into the NHL and be Hall of Fame players.
Goalies are up and down year to year, but if you have a good one, they do not begin to decline after 27. They're not running backs.