Goalies
I have been thinking about what would be the most prudent course of action for our goalies this season. First, here is a list of the goalies in our system:
Malik, Nick ('02) - 2019 Import 1st
Taylor, Ethan ('01) - 2017 9th
Schenkel, Charlie ('04) - 2020 5th
Dunn, Nolan ('04) - 2020 11th
Muszelik, Tyler ('04) - 2020 15th USNTDP
Taylor, Coulter ('03) - 2019 7th
DiPasquo, Luca ('03) - 2019 12th
Ivanov, Samuel ('03) - 2019 U18 1st
Parker, Owen ('02) - 2018 10th NAHL
McIntyre, Justin ('02) - 2018 13th DEL2
Zeppa, Noah ('02) - 2019 U18 2nd
We have been assuming that Nick Malik is going to be back, but what happens if the border restrictions aren't loosened, and the imports cannot report? Does Raftis immediately make a trade for a veteran? Does he give the reins to Ethan Taylor? Does he let two younger goalies in our system battle it out? Does he deal for another young prospect from another team who is stuck in a numbers game?
I think it is clear that the team believes in Charlie Schenkel. We haven't spent a pick that high on a goalie since 2014. If Raftis hasn't made a deal for a veteran goalie by November 15 I think it's a lock that Schenkel is there, even with Covid potentially limiting attendees.
The elephant in the room is whether Ethan Taylor gets another chance. It certainly would be interesting to start the season with two unproven goalies. If one proves they are ready, they get the bulk of the starts until Malik can report or a deal is made. If neither proves ready, Raftis makes the quick deal for the vet.
What does everyone else think will happen?