Conventional logic would tell you that most likely neither Braden Holtby of the Capitals nor James Reimer of the Maple Leafs were on any fantasy hockey owner's radar at the start of the season.
Both are unheralded former fourth-round draft picks who had played exclusively in the minor leagues, including time spent in the ECHL for each, prior to this season. And both were far down on the depth chart - Reimer behind J.S. Giguere and Jonas Gustavsson in Toronto and Holtby behind Semyon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth in Washington.
However both have emerged of late, taking advantage of opportunities at the NHL level.
So are they worthy of consideration from a fantasy hockey perspective? Let's take a look at each player.
Braden Holtby:
- The 21 year-old second-year pro has had an outstanding season with the Hershey Bears in the AHL, posting a 1.82 goals against average, .937 save percentage, and 4 shutouts in 18 games.
- In a pair of stints at the NHL level with the Caps, Holtby is 4-2-2 with a 2.47 goals against and .908 save percentage.
- However during his latest recall from the minors, Holtby has started three games in a row and allowed just a single goal in each contest. He is 2-0-1 in those three starts after losing a 2-1 shootout decision to the Rangers last night.
- With Neuvirth currently ailing - and both Neuvirth and Varlamov unable to remain healthy throughout this season so far - Holtby has a chance for more playing time.
- Holtby likely will head back to Hershey for All-Star break, but afterwards who knows what the Caps' plan is? Bruce Bourdreau isn't saying just yet, though he has done nothing but praise Holtby to the sky.
James Reimer:
- The 22 year-old third-year pro played well with the Toronto Marlies last year (2.25 GAA and .925 save percentage) in the AHL and has been solid this year as well.
- Like Holtby, Reimer received his promotion because of injuries to Giguere and Gustavsson at the turn of the New Year.
- However, Reimer was recalled last week with both Maple Leafs goalies healthy, a clear sign from head coach Ron Wilson that he is not happy with the play of Gustavsson, in particular.
- In 7 games with the Maple Leafs, Reimer is 4-2-0 with a 2.26 goals against average and .933 save percentage. He has allowed two or fewer goals in 4 of his 6 starts, and won three straight starts between January 7-11.
- Again, like Holtby, he seems targeted for a return to the AHL when the All-Star break arrives this week.
Analysis:
On the surface it would seem that neither Holtby nor Reimer is a long-term solution with their respective teams already more invested in other goalies. Of the two Holtby would seem to be more worthy of consideration for fantasy hockey owners because the two netminders in front of him can't seem to stay healthy. And keep in mind Boudreau had no qualms about giving Varlamov the bulk of the work over veteran Jose Theodore when Varlamov was a rookie, himself, two seasons ago. Quite possibly he could let Holtby take over if the kid stays hot.
Another reason why Holtby is a better bet than Reimer is that he plays for a better team. Should Holtby keep receiving some playing time, his all-important wins total should grab attention because Washington is a legit contender, while Toronto is far from that.
Reimer seems to be up with Toronto at present to spur Gustavsson out of his doldrums, which included seven goals allowed in a loss at Madison Square Garden last week. Fantasy hockey owners should watch the goalie situation in Toronto, but not expect Reimer to play a big role down the stretch.
Advice:
Fantasy hockey owners should sit tight and continue to evaluate these two young netminders, especially with the All-Star break arriving this week. And, at best, fantasy hockey owners should only be considering either Holtby or Reimer as a third goalie on their roster.