Top Goalies
1) Kari Lehtonen (Atl), Chicago-AHL
Scout’s take: “Preparation is a real key to his success. Besides being big, competitive and super-quick, Lehtonen rarely reads plays incorrectly and has a gift for sustaining ideal body form and positioning after making the initial save. Should be NHL elite for a decade or more“.
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2) Marc-Andre Fleury (Pit), Wilkes-Barre-AHL
Scout’s take: “Intimidating and invincible most nights, though he doesn’t always channel his enthusiasm properly. He’s learning to be more patient and not to over-commit on the initial shot, but still relies heavily on his extraordinary body speed to cover up positional miscues.
3) Hannu Toivonen (Bos), Providence-AHL
Scout’s take: “Steadily emerging from Kari Lehtonen’s shadow and casting a spell of his own. Routinely pulls off highlight-reel saves as his athleticism and lateral speed are incredible. Learning to economize his movements has been key to Toivonen’s rise“.
4) Ryan Miller (Buf), Rochester-AHL
Scout’s take: “Miller is still working out the kinks, but has really picked up his play after a slow start. Always cool and confident. He doesn’t give shooters much to look at when he keeps his game simple, namely minimizing movements and relying on his superb positional sense“.
5) Alvaro Montoya (NYR), Michigan-CCHA
Scout’s take: “Tried to do too much early this season, but has since settled down and looked completely in control. He’s showing great patience now, waiting for shooters to make the first move and relying more on his reflexes and outstanding pad work“.
6) David LeNeveu (Phx), Utah-AHL
Scout’s take: “Smooth as butter and unfazed by the disaster that is the Utah Grizzlies this season. Seems to have all the parts. He’s smart, competitive and airtight positionally. He gets around the net so effortlessly and is dynamic going post to post. An excellent prospect“.
7) Henrik Lundqvist (NYR), Vastra Frolunda-Swe
Scout’s take: “The best goalie in the SEL for three years now and still far from reaching his peak. Blessed with elite positioning and game reading savvy, yet his best attribute may be his ability to perform under pressure. He just doesn’t get rattled no matter what the circumstances“.
8) Maxime Ouellet (Wsh), Portland-AHL
Scout’s take: “Tends to get overlooked because of his age when top goalie prospects are discussed. A very determined and focused player who delivers consistent performances. He looks quicker and has continued to improve his overall game, especially his positioning“.
9) Ilja Bryzgalov (Ana), Cincinnati-AHL
Scout’s take: “Always impresses whether on the international stage or in the AHL. His style can make him appear a bit subdued at times, like he’s waiting for a bus, but he makes the stops. He’s carried some weak Cincy teams and could flourish behind a solid NHL defense“.
10) Marek Schwarz (StL), Vancouver-WHL
Scout’s take: “He’s good for at least one bad goal per game, but you can see all the tools are there. His athleticism, anticipation and composure are all outstanding. He just needs to calm down and be less impetuous. Will be an NHL starter if allowed time to develop properly“.
