He has shown he is a number 1 goalie and on July 28th (this year's UFA Day) he could be a #1/Stanley Cup Winning Goalie.
Philipp Grubauer is by far the most attractive UFA2B in net, and there are plenty of teams who will be looking at him....It is rather odd that to he has not yet talked extension with Sakic, but that tends to be Sakic's M.O.
How much could he get, and how good is he?
He is not a superstar, not yet at least, but his importance really can't be downplayed. When Grubauer went down to injury in the bubble last playoffs, EVERYTHING changed for Colorado...Many feel if he stayed healthy the Avalanche are playing to repeat as Cup Champs right now.
He is very good for sure, and what may be more important, given all of the Cap issues Colorado is faced with moving forward, he may be just good enough to keep this team as a contender....In many ways, Grubauer reminds me of Chris Osgood in Detroit when they were winning Cups. He doesn't let in bad goals, can have spectacular moments, but isn't quite an "elite" goaltender.
If Grubauar can get from Colorado $5M per for 7-8 years, I believe both he and the Avs win.
But will someone offer more?
It is quite possible Edmonton, Toronto, Buffalo or Pittsburgh would up that to $6M or 7 for 3-4 years.
And if they did, I am not sure what Sakic would do....And much of that might depend on Seth Jones, who I know wants to play in Colorado above anywhere else...Jones, Makar, MacKinnon and Rantanen would put serious restraints on Sakic, but also put a team on the ice which could approach dynasty levels...
But who would the Avalanche put in net? Is there someone else who is cheap enough and good enough to keep the Cups flowing? In the system, the Avs have prospect Justus Annunen, from Finland. Annunen's play fell off this year however playing for Karpat, although he did come over and play 3 games in the AHL...He is not likely the answer for a team looking to be a Cup favorite.
I will have more on Grubauer this coming Monday when the summer UFA/Trade Rumor Chart launches.
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