Critical13
Fear is the mind-killer.
Good goaltending can be erratic. Look at Carey Price this year. Positional players tend to be more consistent year to year with less variance. Yes, you can use the example of this year with Vezina finalists, but last year none of the final 4 were nominated. In 2016 one of the finalist was in the final 4. In 2015, none of the finalists made it, same with 2014 and 2013. So, this year seems to be a statistical aberration against current trends. You need competent and good goaltending, but not elite.
The big thing is, if you are saying goaltending is your centerpiece are you paying him the most, due to him being of the highest value in your opinion? Pretty much every-team that wins highest paid player is a center. I think Doughty made more than Kopitar one of the Cups and Chara made the most on the Bruins. But, Pens and Blackhawks (tie between Toews and Kane) who account for 6 of the last 10 cups highest paid players were their franchise centers. No team won with their goalie being the most expensive piece.
Exactly. A top end goaltender is important, but people pointing to this year I think are looking at the short game, not the long game. There is no chance I trade Doughty, Matthews, Scheifele, Josi or Hedman for a goalie. I wouldn't even blink before I shot that down.