The New York Rangers whether they publicly state it or not have genuine concerns with Alexandar Georgiev’s play. If you don’t believe me, you need look no further than to the fact they started Keith Kinkaid in a must win game against the Capitals.
David Quinn after consulting with goalie coach, Benoit Allaire felt the 31 year-old goalie who didn’t play in the NHL last season gave them the best chance. That’s a tough pill for not only Georgiev to swallow but the entire organization.
Carrying three goalies forced their hand to trade Brendan Lemieux
Keith Kinkaid was signed to a two-year deal as insurance for the expansion draft this summer. Igor Shesterkin is automatically exempt, but Alexandar Georgiev is not, and the rules state every team must expose at least one goalie under contract.
Upon his first call up to the squad, Kinkaid successfully made it through waivers. The Rangers don’t believe it could happen again and are forced to carry three goalies on the 23 man roster. Due to that reason and of course the addition of Vitali Kravtsov to the roster, they opted to trade Brendan Lemieux to L.A. for a 4th round pick.
This is not what the Rangers predicted when they opted to buyout Henrik Lundqvist in favor of his two younger counterparts.
Alexandar Georgiev expendable?
The goalie market at the deadline is flooded and the Rangers are not giving Georgiev away. However, the question has he become expendable is a legit one. I believe the answer is an easy – yes. New York has plenty of goalies in their prospect pool from Adam Huska and Tyler Wall, to the recently drafted Dylan Garand.
Georgiev signed this summer to a two year deal worth $2.425 million. While I know the Rangers are hoping he gets his positioning and rebounds under control, they realize his age and contract will be attract to a team like the Buffalo Sabres.
The Blueshirts are gunning for Jack Eichel this summer. It’s widely believed that whether the Sabres opt to trade him or not, they are going to explore it seriously. The Rangers are expected to put forth the best package available and it may now include Georgiev in the mix.
He still has plenty of time to improve on his numbers this season and play a valuable role down the stretch. His record is 5-5-2 with a respectable 2.92 GAA. His .897 SV% is the biggest problem, but you can’t overlook his career stats. In 91 NHL games he’s 40-36-9 on a rebuilding club with a career .911 SV% and a 2.99 GAA.
There’s plenty of value in Georgiev based on his career stats. Only problem is there’s just as equal a concern right now.
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