Boston Bruins: Making the case for Anton Khudobin

The Boston Bruins backup goaltender had an awesome season and deserves to come back next season.

Anton Khudobin arguably saved the Boston Bruins season. His dominant efforts in the first couple months of the season kept them afloat.

From the middle of October until early December, Khudobin had given the Bruins a point. He ended the season with a .913 save percentage and a goals against average of 2.56.

Khudobin was making insane saves that made you wince thinking that the puck had gone in. He was a wild card out there, especially when he skated behind the net. His flashy style reminded you of a certain goaltender who helped the Bruins win a Stanley Cup.

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Khudobin did have his drawbacks. His wild style of play could sometimes leave him out of position and allow for some easy goals.

It isn’t Zane’s time yet

Khudobin is now an unrestricted free agent and will hit the free agent market. “Dobby” made $1.2 million this season. I think if the Bruins were smart they would try to snatch him up.

“Dobby” is one of the best backups in the league and may be more likely to sign a team friendly deal. If the Bruins are lucky they may be able to keep Khudobin around the $1 million mark. If “Dobby” gets greedy and is wanting an extra million dollars that’s when the Bruins have to ask is he worth the money.

The Bruins do have a young, up and coming goaltender down in Providence. Zane McIntyre had a decent season with the baby Bruins. He won 26 games, had a .914 save percentage and had a goals against average of 2.52. These are solid numbers, but not enough to make me think McIntyre will be a serviceable backup. Hopefully with one more year in the AHL McIntyre will develop the skills to become a solid goaltender in the NHL.

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The Boston Bruins can’t expect Tuukka Rask to play every game. This season Anton Khudobin proved that when called upon he is a great backup goaltender who can make some great saves.