Islanders Questions In Goal : What Are The Answers?

May 9, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Islanders goalie

(20) on the ice before playing the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period in game five of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The below was written and is contributed by Kevin Kopf (@kevinakopf)

The NHL is still buzzing after the Chicago Blackhawks late heroics that saw them clinch a second Stanley Cup within a four-year span.

Equally dramatic is the talk at the current moment that comes with the buyout window, opening in about 48 hours—11pm, June 26^th to be exact.

Reports have begun filtering throughout NHL media outlets that several player contracts have been bought out by their respective teams: the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Mike Komisarek, Montreal Canadiens’ Tomas Kaberle, and both Danny Briere and Ilya Bryzgalov of Philadelphia Flyer fame. (Important to note that the Flyers sought these buyouts in an effort to free-up cap space for Mark Streit’s massive contract signing.)

Many goalies are being talked about right now, and the fear of making a blunder similar to the Isles’ Rick DiPietro, is at the forefront of every GM’s mind who’s out to grab a permanent fixture between the pipes.

DiPietro’s 15-year contract is most likely, though not officially confirmed, to be bought out, as well. This leaves the Isles with a little more cap room with which to and a monkey off their back. They also need to start perusing new options in net, because in two-years time, a Poulin and Nabokov tandem in my honest opinion just won’t cut it.

Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Option 1: Jaroslav Halak

The 28-year old St. Louis Blues’ backup to Brian Elliot, is a known playoff performer as shown with both Montreal and his current club. He also has the ability to lead his team deep within a postseason, but as of yet, hasn’t been entrusted with the reins. Dealing for Halak would most likey include Kevin Poulin and a draft pick.

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Option 2: Ryan Miller

A bit tougher of  an option. This deal would take a lot more, maybe Niño, a first and a mid level prospect like Kabonov or Pokka. The payoff would be well worth it though. Ryan Miller is a true superstar, leading the Sabres for the past few years despite a few concussions, and has acted like the true performer he is. He is the cream of the crop that every team wants, and Buffalo isn’t doing anything soon so they could be willing to move him.

Other options include Mike Smith, Ilya Bryzgalov (as a backup), and Ray Emery.

This offseason is preparing to be a good one, and it all starts in less than 48 hours.

Gear up.

-KK