Eurolanche

The Avalanche Goalie Depth Chart

Within those two months there will be a lot of discussion about the forwards and defense in the Avalanche organization from the NHL level all the way to the junior level. This will be an article on the goaltending depth of the Avalanche organization and what to expect at Avalanche training camp.

The Obvious: There are three goalies in the Avalanche organization whose positions and futures are not going to change when Avalanche training camp rolls around. First off is Sami Aittokallio who has spent the past three seasons in Lake Erie with a few games in the NHL. He’s the easiest one to start out with because he will not be at the Avalanche training camp this year. He has recently signed a deal with Kärpät (Liiga) but the Avalanche still hold his NHL rights which is why he is mentioned here. Next on the list is Maximilian Pajpach. He was drafted in 2014 by the Avalanche and then missed the entire 2014-15 hockey season with an injury. He was able to come to development camp and do the drills so it’s expected that he will be able to play for Tappara U20 this coming season.

Last, but certainly not least, is Semyon Varlamov. The Russian goalie is the undisputed number 1 goalie for the Colorado Avalanche. Despite some early season injuries that slowed down him and the team, Varlamov came back from his last injury and dominated. He posted the best Penalty Kill Save Percentage by a mile and a half at ~0.930S%. He’s on a long term contract and the 2^nd best goaltender in Colorado Avalanche history. He’s going to be in this category for a while.

The Battles: There are four goalies to keep a close eye at training camp and after training camp when the AHL/ECHL assignments come. Those goalies are Reto Berra, Calvin Pickard, Roman Will and Spencer Martin. The first two goalies listed are familiar to nearly any Avalanche fan. Berra was picked up in 2014 at the trade deadline and Pickard was the mid-season hero when Varlamov fell to injury.

Most people fear Reto Berra, and by most people I mean Avalanche fans. Can’t blame those that don’t want him in net as Berra’s had a rough Avalanche career so far and this season only furthered fans bad feelings for him even more. General consensus seems to be “give Pickard Berra’s job” and it’s just not that simple. Berra played good hockey at the beginning of the season and the end of the season. He gave the Avalanche their first win of the 2014-15 season which was followed by a concussion in his next game. After the concussion we saw Reto Berra lose his job to the upstart Pickard.

Pickard set a NHL record with his first two NHL wins coming in relief. Pickard ended the NHL season with a 6-7-3 record, .932SV% and a 2.35GAA.He excited fans with his goaltending skills and showed that we have a goalie that developed properly. Despite all that Pickard is only 23 years old and still developing. That is an obstacle he needs to overcome when fighting with Berra for the back-up spot in the NHL.

Pickard needs to show that he’s not a one hit wonder at the NHL level. No one had the book on Pickard and now teams are going to be ready for him. We saw what happened when Pickard came back for the game against Los Angeles in March (pulled in the first period). As bad as Berra was in the middle of the season, Berra finished off the season very strong posting three wins in his last four games. It raises the legitimate question of: has Berra finally turned it around? If he has then Berra will remain in the NHL as Varlamov’s back-up. Lastly, what is best for Pickard’s development? Unless Pickard completely outperforms Berra in camp, this will be the deciding factor and the question that will be the loudest in the head of Roy/Sakic, is it best for Pickard to be the first goalie call-up along with being the starter in the AHL or should be starting ~20 games in the NHL behind Varlamov?

Training camp goalie battle number 2 is a little more clear cut on the outcome, however it is still worth thinking over on what can happen. Roman Will came over last season, struggled in his AHL games and was therefore assigned to Fort Wayne in the ECHL. He took over the starting position as a rookie and never looked back. Also made the ECHL All-Rookie team. With Sami Aittokallio leaving to Finland there’s a spot open in the AHL which seems like the perfect place for Will. There is someone that will give him a run for his money and it’s Spencer Martin.

Spencer Martin was taken in the 2013 draft and kicked it up a gear this past season. Unfortunately Martin fell to a season ending injury with the Steelheads using him in every game possible. Martin showed up to the recent rookie camp looking in great shape, keeping up with the skaters in skating drills and looking as athletically gifted as ever. There’s one big factor though that will probably push him into the ECHL and its Martin’s age. This will be Spencer Martin’s first pro hockey season and he’s coming off of that big injury. While the ECHL might not be the best place for forward/defense prospects, it’s perfect for goalies to adjust to the pro game such as our own Roman Will and Brossoit in the Edmonton Oilers system.

With that last point in mind it’s easy to assume that there is no battle between Martin and Will. I disagree with that on three premises. One, Martin isn’t the only one coming off of an injury. Roman Will himself had to have surgery after his ECHL season ended. Two, can Roman Will actually do well in the AHL? Unfortunately the only play we have of Will in the AHL isn’t very promising. To be fair it could have been because he wasn’t used to the North American style of hockey. Lastly, don’t count out Spencer Martin. He is full of potential, big and athletic. He’s a good prospect who, under Allaire, can become something great.

My Thoughts: After training camp I believe the depth chart will be like this:

1. Varlamov
2. Berra
3. Pickard
4. Will
5. Martin
6. Pajpach

Berra’s contract situation and Pickard’s need to develop will be the main factors in why Berra will be the back-up to Varlamov and Pickard will be the starter in San Antonio. I do believe that Berra is on a short leash. If Pickard can show he’s too good for the AHL and can provide a 1A/1C situation for the Avalanche then I wouldn’t doubt we see Berra in the AHL or traded somehow. One injury to Roman Will and we’ll see Spencer Martin steal his spot in the AHL is my prediction for the season. Martin might force Roy and Sakic to make a decision on Pickard/Berra at the end of the 2015/16 season. Lastly, the Avalanche will be selecting at least one goalie in the 2016 draft. With Martin, Will, Pickard all fighting for AHL spots and Papjach getting close to making the jump the Avalanche will be without a goalie in the juniors/Europe in the 2016/17 season if they don’t take a goalie in the 2016 draft. I’d say there’s a 50/50 chance that the Avalanche select two goalies in 2016 so be prepared. Last lastly, as of now the partnership with the Fort Wayne Komets of the ECHL is still up in the air. Could throw a wrench into things if the Avalanche does not have a place to put Will/Martin. 

-- by Geremy McFadden, London, Ontario, Canada --