Offseason Outlook: Goaltending

The only aspect of the Devils, other than the coaching staff, which will undergo little to no change this summer is goaltending. 

With future Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur set to return for his 20th season and backup Johan Hedberg more than likely also returning to finish out the final year of his 2 year contact, odds are here will not be any changes at he NHL level this year. 

With Broduer turning 41 and Hedberg turning 40 literally a day apart, the pressure is now on for the rest of the goaltending prospects in the Devils' organization. 

Brodeur will probably be back for at least another season beyond his current contract, especially if he does not hit he 700 win plateau next season. Knowing his work ethic and team first mentality, he will probably also stick around to either help the heir to his crease transition into the NHL or to ease the burden in the first season or two for whatever goaltender might be while also mentoring him. 

Hedberg on the other hand had a very down year when compared to his previous two seasons. Marred by inconsistency and the complete lack of anything resembling goal support only further magnified Hedberg's average play. The Devils skidded while not helping out their goaltenders, leading to missing the playoffs this season. 

The Devils enter the summer with only one real goaltending question to answer: Is Jeff Frazee worth a contact extension or not? Drafted in the 2nd round of the 2005 draft, Frazee was projected by many as next starter when Brodeur decided to hang up the pads. 

In the 8 years since, however, he has done little to garner such accolades as he has performed less than admirably. Frazee has not done anything to separate himself from the other goaltending prospects in the organization. If anything, he has only set himself back as Keith Kinkaid and Scott Wedgewood have already seemed to have thrusted themselves into the future #1 debate while Frazee remains either a marginal consideration or an afterthought. 

At 26, it is unlikely Frazee will develop any further and could have possibly peaked in his professional career with the Devils. An educated guess would have Frazee departing the organization after July 1st for somewhere with a thinner road to the NHL, especially as he saw his playing time diminish significantly in favor of Kinkaid. Where that may be is a massive question, maybe Philadelphia as neither Ilya Bryzgalov nor Steve Mason have shown any semblance of consistency in recent years. 

Keith Kinkaid is the most NHL ready goaltending prospect in the Devils' organization. Making his first appearance this year in relief of Hedberg at home against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Kinkaid looked as solid as a regular starter. Surrendering only one fluke goal against which was deflected off his own defenders into his net, Kinkaid was sharp on the numerous Lightning chances, including a breakaway save on perennial scoring threat, Steven Stamkos. Kikaid did not fall for his deke and made the save from his stomach with his leg pinned against the post. 

It is most likely going to be Kinkaid starting for the Albany Devils next year with Scott Wedgewood being his "back up." Back up being in quotations as the Devils could realistically use both goaltenders in a similar fashion as eye St. Louis Blues do with Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott. 

Wedgewood has the most upside out of any goaltending prospect, earning several accolades during his time in juniors including earning the starting role for Team Canada at the World Junior Championships. While he may not be ready for NHL duty, Wedgewood could benefit from spending more time in Albany against stronger competition. During his 5 appearances this season with the A-Devils, Wedgewood posed a 2-2 record with a 3.47 goals against average. His save percentage was also low (.886), the lowest by far out of any goalie who was in net for Albany. 

In a perfect world, as previously stated, Wedgewood would start the season in Albany and split time with Kinkaid. However, it may be better for his development if he finds his rhythm in the ECHL before promoting back up to Albany.