When ruffling through all of the papers you have put together in a last minute attempt to figure out who you are going to draft in the first few rounds of your fantasy hockey draft, there’s a certain question that seems to linger around for everyone involved. When should I draft a goaltender? For many leagues and in many instances, it’s a crapshoot. The goaltending position on your fantasy hockey roster can literally make or break your season. We are here today to give you a heads up on who you should avoid and why. The following goaltenders may have shined in the past, but given some personal issues as well as the negative states that their current teams may find themselves in, these guys aren’t worth picking up unless you are looking for a third stringer.
Here’s a look at five goaltenders you should avoid drafting onto your 2014-15 fantasy hockey team.
5. Jonathan Bernier- Toronto Maple Leafs
Even though the Leafs believe they are poised to make some noise this offseason, especially on the trade market, the reality of the situation is that finding players to play for them is going to be just as hard as it has been over the past decade. Life will continue to be tough for Bernier, a goaltender who is very talented, but who also is often forced to suffer due to the insufficient defense he has in front of him on any given night. The Leafs gave up a league high 35.9 shots per game. Unless your league gives points for saves, stay away from Bernier. The defense put in front of him is and still will be atrocious next season.
4. Eddie Lack- Vancouver Canucks
Yes, Lack had 4 shutouts in 41 games played. Yes, he did have a respectable 2.41 goals against average, and yes, he will be the Canucks’ number one goaltender in 2014-15. However, whether the Canucks get a new coach that can help erase the nightmare who was John Tortorella or not, the organization itself is an absolute disaster. Their best player in Ryan Kesler wants nothing to do with the team, and the leaders of the team are two twin brothers that are very much of the introvert type. They possess a style of leadership that will get you nowhere, and fast. Lack won’t be able to save the Canucks next season, and he will undeniably find it difficult to save your fantasy team as well.
3. Jimmy Howard- Detroit Red Wings
Howard is about as overrated as they come. The Red Wings goalie showed flashes of brilliance this past season, but flashed are not going to cut it for the Red Wings year after year as members of the Eastern Conference. Howard had 21 wins, 19 losses, all along with a total of 11 overtime losses. That is a massive number that should speak to you in regards to why you shouldn’t invest any time and faith into Howard. He can’t steal a game, therefore he can’t steal some points for your fantasy hockey club.
2. Mike Smith- Phoenix Coyotes
Not too long ago, Mike Smith was the talk of the town in Phoenix, AZ. That is until he went down with a gruesome right knee injury earlier this year. Smith had great numbers before he went down and helped solidify Phoenix as a playoff contender. However, don’t expect Smith to heal completely before the season begins, no matter who tells you that he is feeling better. What else is he going to tell you? That he is still in pain and that he will probably be nothing more than a sieve in 2014-15 for the Coyotes? I think not. You will be told exactly what you WANT to hear. Don’t take a chance on the still healing, Mike Smith.
1. Roberto Luongo- Florida Panthers
Luongo didn’t go down to South Beach to help bring a Stanley Cup to town. No, but on the other hand he did go to Miami because his wife is from Florida. That to me screams, “Stay away!” This isn’t about wanting to play another season for Luongo. He is done and he knows it. This is about raking in a chunk of change that will surely help him and his family ensure that they are set and enjoy a healthy retirement. Besides, the Panthers won’t be fielding the best team in the world once October rolls around anyway. Do yourself a favor and stay away from Luongo. As far as you can possibly get.