Who will be the starter next season? Ullmark or a UFA-to-be-signed? Holtby, Marstrom, Lehner are some of the notable UFAs.
Ullmark will get 60+ starts, Hutton takes a pure back-up role. No UFA signings. Season after that it's Ullmark and UPL.
I hope Botts can do what's necessary (I know, it's funny) and find a taker for Hutton, even if we have to retain 1 mil to get it done. He's not even a competent backup.
Buying him out is also an option. it saves 1.85 in 2020-21, at the cost of 900k in 21-22
I like Ullmark as a mid range starter over the next few years as we bring UPL along. But Hutton has to go if we are serious about winning. He's never going to be playing in front of a St Louis style defensive team... so he's not worth losing 15 games a year on just because he's under contract.
Keeping Hutton reminds me of 08-09 when Lalime was toast... we missed the playoffs by 1 Point... Lalime went 5-13-3 that year. Now I'm not very hopeful that we're headed in the right direction, but if by some miracle this roster takes a step forward next year... I'd hate to waste starts on a goalie that's toast.
I’d strictly start Hutton against bottom feeders. He’s in his own head. It’s a confidence thing. Potentially not recoverable. If he can’t shake it, send him to Rochester where he can at least play well. He’d be a good mentor for UPL.
Or bury him in Rochester next year to mentor UPL...
That would save the cap hit in 21-22 even if you save less in 20-21.
I'm open to that idea... but are we sure he'd be a good mentor? I do not think he'd handle being waived well... not a lot to go on to come to that conclusion, but it is my impression based on post game interviews after losses.
All the Hutton & Ullmark stuff I've seen and Hutton's InGoal Radio podcast interview leads me to believe that Hutton is a good mentor.
Now how he would handle getting sent to the AHL after this season is a whole other conversation.
I would expect that the Sabres would talk to Hutton about the situation and feel him out before pulling the trigger on something.
I think that's the worst idea. I'd rather waste Hutton starts on teams we're likelier to lose to rather than blow the points we should be banking.
Who fills his spot.
And based on that chart MIN might be in the market for a goalie
Who will be the starter next season? Ullmark or a UFA-to-be-signed? Holtby, Marstrom, Lehner are some of the notable UFAs.
If Ullmark keeps playing like a number one, there is no chance Botts would do that. Maybe if we didn’t have 6K waiting in the wings.I keep getting this sinking feeling that Botts is going to bail LA out and go trade for Quick to instill him as the starter until UPL is ready.
Not that it would make any sense whatsoever. Might even be a fireable offense if he pays a significant piece. But I just get this feeling...........I hope it's gas.
If Ullmark keeps playing like a number one, there is no chance Botts would do that.
I have been very frustrated with Botterill this year (and last). But IMO there’s no way he would want to take on that contract if we have Ullmark doing a fine job on the cheap... there is a lot of money coming off the books this year but Botts isn’t that dumb.. right? Look now you’ve got me second guessingI am absolutely not confident in that belief.........
there is a lot of money coming off the books this year but Botts isn’t that dumb.. right?
As far as Quick goes, I'm sure that LA would trade Quick for Hutton in a heartbeat. That fact should give Botts serious pause.
The good thing is that he will likely be too preoccupied adding RHD this offseason to worry about a move like that.
Quick’s contract though. Bleh. Bleh.
Edit: and then factor in his performance and age… Oh God it’s the worst of all worlds.
If Ullmark keeps playing like a number one, there is no chance Botts would do that. Maybe if we didn’t have 6K waiting in the wings.
"Ullmark hasn't been terrible."