Last offseason saw a graduation of sorts for a number of backup goaltenders.
Among them, Martin Jones, who broke away from the shadow cast by Jonathan Quick in Los Angeles, and Cam Talbot, who utilized a Henrik Lundqvist injury to put on a show on Broadway.
Jones was ultimately traded and flipped, landing in San Jose, while Talbot was acquired by the Edmonton Oilers for three draft picks.
The two have since occupied the starting positions with their respective clubs and are the latest proof that sometimes you have to pay your dues before making it big.
With that in mind, here are three backup goalies who might follow in their footsteps as early as next season:
Antti Raanta
It would appear Antti Raanta is trying to follow Talbot's journey as closely as he can.
After seeing limited action with the Chicago Blackhawks last season as a third-string backup, Raanta was dealt to the Rangers to fill backup position behind Lundqvist.
Raanta put up spectacular numbers last season, going 7-4-1 in just 14 games with a 1.89 goals-against average and a .936 save percentage. He has remained a solid second-in-command this season, going 7-4-2 in 17 games with a 2.30 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage.
The 26-year-old has a fairly small sample size, but if there is one thing we learned from Jones, it's that experience is not necessarily a deterrent. The current Sharks netminder made only 34 appearances with the Kings before landing a spot as the team's No.1.
Raanta will hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Frederik Andersen or John Gibson
It isn't always clear who the starter is and who the backup is for the Anaheim Ducks.
Both Frederik Andersen and John Gibson have been used largely, with injuries and the hot hand usually driving the schedule. The two have had near equal stats this year and each have had their hand in helping the club rebound from a shaky start to the season.
| Goalie | GP | Wins | GAA | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andersen | 35 | 17 | 2.22 | .922 |
| Gibson | 28 | 16 | 2.09 | .918 |
With Gibson signed to a three-year, $6.9-million contract after this season and Andersen set to become a restricted free agent this summer, there is growing belief that the team will look to deal Andersen.
Related: 3 goalies the Flames should target in the offseason
If that is the case, both Gibson and Andersen could become starters next season. They're surely deserving of it.
Michal Neuvirth
Tied for the fifth best save percentage with a .925 mark while rocking an impressive 2.29 goals-against average and three shutouts, it's only fair that Michal Neuvirth be given some credit for keeping the Philadelphia Flyers afloat in the Eastern Conference.
The team sits just five points out from the final wild card spot in the East, all while backing a team that has given up the third-most shots per game (31.6), while deploying the 23rd most efficient offense.
Steve Mason has received the bulk of the action, dressing in 37 games this season, but Neuvirth has been no stranger to the crease. He's suited up for 30 contests and boasts an impressive 16-8-4 record.
The 27-year-old has the most career starts of any of the goaltenders above, and though he's had mixed results during his tenor, he holds a .914 career save percentage and a 2.67 goals-against average.
Given a shot, Neuvirth could be a viable option for a club looking to upgrade in goal. And with a $1,625,000 price tag, what's not to like?
