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Eyes On Isles
Editorials

New York Islanders Goaltending Upgrade Options for 2018-19

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)
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)
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GLENDALE, AZ – FEBRUARY 25: Goaltender Darcy Kuemper #35 of the Arizona Coyotes during a break from the second period of the NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Gila River Arena on February 25, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Darcy Kuemper | Arizona Coyotes

Production

Record: 29 games played 12-7-5

Stats: 0.920 SV%, 2.52 GAA, 92GA%

Why Him?

Kuemper’s stats look great. He’s exactly what the New York Islanders need to bring into the team. A goalie that can stop somewhere around 92 percent of the shots he faces and let in no more than just above two goals a game.

If the Islanders got that type of goaltending this season maybe they wouldn’t have looked so embarrassing.

Kuemper is also young at 28-years-old. He’s cheap, very cheap at $1.85 AAV over the next two seasons. He’s also got a ton of potential. His wicked low average annual value, the Islanders would have a ton of space to sign their free agents signed and even pick up a few other pieces.

Why Not?

He’s never been an NHL starter. He hasn’t played more than 31 games in a single season. Can he play 50-60 games in a season? Probably, but how good is he going to be?

As far as unproven quantities go Darcy Kuemper is certainly one of them. he’s not the type of risk the New York Islanders need to take in order to try and convince John Tavares or to make hte playoffs in 2018-19.

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