James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
The goaltending situation is going to be something to watch for the Carolina Hurricanes, not only this summer, but once the 2013-14 season officially gets underway.
It’s an aspect of their roster that has really been a letdown in the last couple of years. This season, it was mostly due to injury, but Cam Ward hasn’t lived up to expectations set forth when he signed a massive new contract a few years ago. Even when he was in net, though, there wasn’t much to be excited about.
But that’s not the issue here, at least at this point. The question is whether or not the Hurricanes should address their backup goaltending situation. More specifically, should they bring back third string goaltender Dan Ellis, or cut him loose, and roll with Justin Peters as the no. 2 guy next year.
One would imagine that the front office of the Canes isn’t completely satisfied with simply letting Peters roll into the season as the backup. As his role increased with the injury to Ward, his numbers were ugly. He finished the season with a save percentage well under .900 and a 3.46 goals-against average. Ugly.
Ellis was much better by comparison, but still not all that impressive overall. He posted a .906 save percentage and a GAA of 3.13. However, he also had a fantastic start, which showed that he might be a capable backup, if he were put into the role for Carolina next season.
At this point, it looks like he’s going to hit the market as a free agent. But at the same time, the Hurricanes don’t appear ready to go with Peters as the no. 2. Which means that Ellis could very much be in the mix, even if he tests the free agent waters. He’d fit right into their budget, and has already spent a year in the locker room. Bringing him back is something the Carolina Hurricanes should seriously consider.
