New York Islanders Goaltending Upgrade Options for 2018-19

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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 16: Goalie Jaroslav Halak #41 of the New York Islanders looks on after allowing a goal to Matt Niskanen #2 of the Washington Capitals during the second period at Capital One Arena on March 16, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

The New York Islanders need a goalie. There’s no question about it. But where are they going to get this goalie?

Going into the 2018-19 NHL season the New York Islanders have a few needs. They could use another top-four defender. A third line center to replace Brock Nelson would be grand as well. But above all of those needs, the Islanders have to acquire a starting goalie.

In terms of acquiring, a top-four defender the Islanders could always keep Calvin de Haan. John Carlson is the best target in the defensive free agency, but if the Islanders can’t get Carlson a top four of Nick Leddy, Johnny Boychuk, Ryan Pulock, and Calvin de Haan is serviceable.

But a position that cannot be covered by players already in the New York Islanders is between the pipes. The New York Islanders just don’t have a bonafide NHL caliber starter. Let alone a starter that’s will give them above average goaltending.

Newly appointed President of Hockey Operations Lou Lamoriello and whatever General Manager he has, whether its Garth Snow or not, will have to find a starting goalie.

And according to Elliotte Friedman, that’s just what Lou is planning on doing:

"Getting anything out of Lamoriello is like trying to rob an impenetrable safe, but word is that the team will take a run at Ilya Kovalchuk and has let it be known it will upgrade in goal."

What are Lou’s options? Here’s five names to start a short list of goaltending options for the New York Islanders.