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John Gibson (#36)
2015-2016 Stats: GP 40, 21-13-4, GAA 2.07, SV% .920
Trending: Even
Reasoning: Gibson will be coming into the season as the undisputed starting goaltender. Coming off of solid showing at the World Cup of Hockey with Team North America, he should be set to face the top competition in the unpredictable Pacific Division. This season will be his first full campaign with the big club, elevating the expectations for the 2nd round pick in 2011. Gibson, the Pittsburgh native, has tremendous talent, however his youth and his inconsistent style have plagued him in the past. If he wants to be the guy going forward Gibson will have to cut down on his rebounds and improve his high percentage shots saves. If Gibson can put his groin injury history behind him he should play at least fifty games. At least he just signed a sponsorship deal with CCM so I will give him the benefit of the doubt.
Jonathon Bernier (#1)
2015-2016 Stats: GP 38, 12-21-3, GAA 2.88, SV% .908
Trending: Up
Reasoning: Well he can’t be any worse than he was with Toronto, right? The 5’ 11’’ goalie is only 28 years and just entering his prime years. In most cases a change of scenery can only help players, but Bernier is right back under his old coach Randy Carlyle. This could bode well for his number of starts. However, Anaheim’s system will be extremely different than under Boudreau. It will be interesting to see how Bernier handles a greater volume of shots in Anaheim. If the Ducks want to make up for losing their goal scorers over the summer, Gibson and Bernier will need to have an amazing year. If Bernier isn’t sharp and fails to push Gibson, it could (and will) be a long year.
Matt Hackett (#31)
2015-2016 Stats: AHL- GP 22, 10-7-2, GAA 3.03, SV% .895. ECHL- GP 2, 2-0-0, GAA 1.89, SV% .932
Trending: Even
Reasoning: Hackett is in line to be the starting goalie down in San Diego. Coming off of a strong end to the 2015-2016 season, Hackett is currently the third goalie on the Ducks depth chart. The 26 year old “kid” is starting to show real potential. It is unclear whether or not Hackett’s game can translate to the NHL speed but from what I saw in the Calder Cup playoffs he can hold his own as an injury call-up. Any goalie that rocks blacked out leg pads has my respect.
Kevin Boyle (#68)
2015-2016 Stats: GP 39, 24-10-5, GAA 1.83, SV% .934
Trending: Up
Reasoning: Boyle is easily my favorite current Ducks goalie prospect. The former UMass-Lowell goalie signed a one year, entry-level contract at the end of last season. His 1.83 GAA during his senior season was nothing short of great. At only 23 years old, Boyle needs a proper few years in the minors before he’ll be anything to get excited about. But until then, he has the talent to be a reliable tender wherever he plays.
Dustin Tokarski
2015-2016 Stats: Montreal- GP 6, 1-3-0, GAA 3.18, SV% .878. St. Johns (AHL)- GP 10, 3-3-4, GAA 2.84, SV% .909. San Diego (AHL) GP 2, 1-1-0, GAA 2.35, SV% .920.
Trending: Down
Reasoning: There was plenty of hope that Tokarski could be a solid AHL and call-up goalie but that has not panned out. After the Ducks traded Max Friberg for him back in January for him, Tokarski has been passed by Hackett and potentially Boyle. Even though he has NHL experience with Montreal it hasn’t translated to consistent success. His time in the Ducks organization may be limited.