Quote:
Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame
Question because I'm just not a good gauge on this: is Markstrom really that special of a goalie? Or is he just another Talbot/Rittich "1B" level? I seem to remember him being this sort of anemic goalie, unless he's come into his own lately?
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Special is a strong word. But he is clearly a level up on Talbot and Rittich. IMO, he is in the group of top 10-15 goalies in the league. But he is definitely a #1.
The only reason Markstrom is potentially available is because of a combination of three events:
1) Vancouver has cap issues (easily solvable on its own)
2) Demko had a great playoffs and the Nucks are very high on him
3) (most importantly), the expansion draft.
Obviously, the best situation for Van is to keep both guys, and have rock-solid goaltending. But they can't protect both guys in the expansion draft. So they need to move one. Markstrom is proven and Demko isn't, but Demko is cheaper, and they have some cap issues to address.
IMO, Markstrom is by far the better choice, because he is proven. But I certainly understand why they would go with Demko.