Blackout Dallas
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Two options to resolve the Dallas Stars goaltending conundrum

By Caleb Nunn

VANCOUVER, BC - JANUARY 20: Goalie Braden Holtby #49 of the Vancouver Canucks during NHL hockey action against the Montreal Canadiens at Rogers Arena on January 20, 2021 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC - JANUARY 20: Goalie Braden Holtby #49 of the Vancouver Canucks during NHL hockey action against the Montreal Canadiens at Rogers Arena on January 20, 2021 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) /
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DALLAS, TEXAS – APRIL 19: Anton Khudobin #35 of the Dallas Stars reacts against the Detroit Red Wings in the third period at American Airlines Center on April 19, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS – APRIL 19: Anton Khudobin #35 of the Dallas Stars reacts against the Detroit Red Wings in the third period at American Airlines Center on April 19, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Trade Anton Khudobin

Anton Khudobin emerged as a fan favorite, performing very well during the Stars 2020 cup run. Despite an underwhelming 2020-21 season, Khudobin is still the ideal backup for any team out there. Dallas can play both of those facts on the trade market and open the door for a Bishop-Holtby tandem in 2021-22. This option leaves Oettinger available in case of injury.

Dallas is also gambling that Holtby can return to the stellar form he had while with the Washington Capitals

Khudobin’s $3.333 million cap hit might not be the easiest to move, but teams will become friskier as camps progress. The Stars would be gambling on poor camp performances and potential injuries to backup goalies around the league. Dallas is also gambling that Holtby can return to the stellar form he had while with the Washington Capitals.

There is belief in Dallas that the Stars envision Holtby rebounding after a disastrous tenure with the Vancouver Canucks. Holtby finished the 2021 season with a 3.67 GAA and .889 SV% in 21 starts. Holtby then lost the starting job to Thatcher Demko. Holtby’s best days could be behind him, but he is only 31 and deserves the benefit of the doubt. Holtby is a 31-year old net-minder with a 2.58 GAA and .915 SV% over his career. It is possible that Holtby was uncomfortable and a bad fit in Vancouver.

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