Penguins Will Likely Use Three-Goalie System in 2023-24
Just because the Pittsburgh Penguins have three goalies doesn't mean someone is leaving.
Over the past few seasons in the NHL, more teams have began adopting a three-goalie system, and the Pittsburgh Penguins might be aiming for that in the 2023-24 season.
Penguins president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas opened up the free agency period by not only extending Tristan Jarry to a five-year deal, but soon after penning Alex Nedeljkovic to a one-year contract.
All the while, Casey DeSmith remains on the roster with a year remaining on his deal.
With three NHL-level goalies in the system, one is sure to be dealt, right? And it has to be DeSmith considering the circumstances of Jarry and Nedeljkovic?
Not quite; according to Dubas, it’s becoming more regular that teams need a third reliable goalie to have massive success.
The Carolina Hurrianes have run this system for a few seasons, ironically with Nedeljkovic in 2021.
The Vegas Golden Knights utilized five throughout their Stanley Cup winning season, but had at least three solid options for their playoff run.
The Florida Panthers even stuck their toe into the three goalie carousel as they made a run to the Cup Final.
Whether it be through pure skill or necessity, the idea of teams utilizing three goalies on a regular basis is becoming more prevalent, and Dubas is joining that pack.
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“If you don’t have the depth there build up, you could leave yourself short handed,” Dubas said before discussing the Penguins’ prospect goalies.
DeSmith and Nedeljkovic are both on contracts that will expire after this season, perhaps this three-goalie system is just a short-term project while Joel Blomqvist gets reps in the AHL?
Maybe the three-goalie system sticks around in Pittsburgh if Blomqvist is followed by Taylor Gauthier?
It’s also still possible Dubas has more tricks up his sleeve; DeSmith’s contract earns him $1.8 million against the Salary cap and the Penguins are $1.5 million over at the moment.
Dubas says he isn’t done working and will have the team under the limit by the time puck drops on the 2023-24 season, it’s yet to be seen if three goalies will be along for the ride.
Magnus Hellberg was also added to the goalie depth early on the second day of free agency.
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