Ryan Miller has been a solid backup goalie for the Anaheim Ducks over the last three seasons. However, at almost 40 years old and on an expiring contract, we don't know if Miller will be back next season.
The Ducks already have a great starter in John Gibson and should they need to find a new backup goalie, he'd only need to be able to play 20-25 games. Here are five options for a backup goalie if Ryan Miller retires.
AARON DELL
Dell bounced back in the second half of the season, after a rough start to the year and a horrible 2018-19 season. He had a .907 save percentage this year and played 33 games, almost taking over the starting job from Martin Jones. He’s gone through some very poor stretches over the last two seasons, so if the Ducks have to resort to free agency for a backup, Dell shouldn’t be the target, though he is at least an option.
THOMAS GREISS
Greiss is a potential target for the Ducks because he’s likely going to be pushed out of New York with the arrival of Ilya Sorokin. He posted a .913 save percentage this year and has almost split time with both Semyon Varlamov and Robin Lehner over the last two seasons. He’s shown that he can be effective while playing a high number of games, though that’s not really necessary with Gibson as a starter. He also may come at a higher price than many of these other UFA options.
ANTON KHUDOBIN
If you’re looking for a star backup, Khudobin is the guy. After posting a .923 save percentage last season, he followed it up with an excellent .930 save percentage this year. He’s also played 71 games over the last two seasons, showing that like Greiss, he can play a high number of games. Again though, there isn’t really a need for someone who can play 30 or more games, plus Khudobin has been great for Dallas and certainly could be re-signed.
ANTHONY STOLARZ
Stolarz may be one of the most likely options for the Ducks. The issue with all these free agent goalies is that, with the exception of Thomas Greiss, there’s a good chance each is re-signed and never hits the market. Stolarz actually had a very strong season with San Diego, posting a .922 save percentage in 39 games. He was also good in his single start with the Ducks this year, allowing just two goals on 36 shots against St. Louis just before the season was paused. Stolarz has only played 26 games and while he’s probably not Anaheim’s first choice, with one year still remaining on his contract, he’s definitely a possibility.
CAM TALBOT
Other than a poor 2018-19 season, Talbot has, for the most part, been a good goalie at the NHL level. He was great this season with Calgary, managing a .919 save percentage over 26 games. We’ve seen he fits well as a backup and he’s not going to get more than a two-year deal, so if Miller retires, he’ll be one of the better options in free agency, should he get there.
Here’ today’s poll question (results and discussion will be posted tomorrow):
Of these options, who would you want to see as Anaheim's backup if Ryan Miller retires?
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