So they say every good team starts from the net out, but is it possible to have too much goaltending? Today, we take a look at Detroit's goaltending dream/nightmare (depending on how you look at it).
First, every good team has a world-class goaltender between the pipes, but what do you do when you have two of them? Curtis Joseph and Dominik Hasek are two of the better goalies of their time. However, they have become older and more expensive as time has gone. Curtis Joesph sports an eight million dollar contract, while the 37 year old Hasek is scheduled to make six million next season.
If you think these guys make for a crowded crease, throw Manny Legace into the mix whose stock has risen in recent years. Many scouts around the league think Legace is ready to make the jump from backup to starter. He is quite a bit younger than Joseph and Hasek and is much more affordable.
Detroit's crop of goaltenders does not end there however. Marc Lamothe, who recently turned thirty, is expected to carry the load in Grand Rapids (Detroit's farm club). However, he may be challenged for his starting job. Stefan Liv, Detroit's 4th round selection (#102 OV) in 2000 will be looking for a contract as well as newly acquired prospect David Leneveu. Leneveu was Phoenix's 2nd round pick (#46 OV) in the 2002 entry draft. He spent two years at Cornell University before being drafted and signing his first pro contract with Phoenix's farm system.
Detroit's farm system is also loaded with young talent. Drew MacIntyre was a 4th round selection (#121 OV) in 2001 and could also challenge for a spot with Grand Rapids. American-born, James Howard, was Detroit's first pick in the 2003 entry draft. They selected him in the second round (#64 OV). Joey MacDonald was signed as an undrafted free agent, while Logan Koopmans from Cranbrook, British Columbia was selected in the 6th round (#166 OV) in the 2002 draft.
The Red Wings look to have a bright future in between the pipes, the toughest choice facing General Manager, Ryan Caster, will be to decide which goalie he chooses to lead his team in the upcoming inaugural season of the OTHL.