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Boston Bruins: Top 3 free agent veteran goalies to consider for taxi squad

By Matt Hawkins

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 7: Ryan Miller #30 of the Anaheim Ducks makes a stop against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 7, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Ducks 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 7: Ryan Miller #30 of the Anaheim Ducks makes a stop against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 7, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Ducks 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – FEBRUARY 7: Jimmy Howard #35 of the Detroit Red Wings follows the puck during the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on February 7, 2020 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – FEBRUARY 7: Jimmy Howard #35 of the Detroit Red Wings follows the puck during the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on February 7, 2020 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

The Boston Bruins should consider bringing in a veteran goaltender for their taxi squad. Here are three options.

With the announcement that the 2021 NHL season will feature every team having the luxury of an expanded roster, or “taxi squad”, the Boston Bruins will have to make a decision on who the goalie will be on theirs.

A team’s taxi squad must consist of a minimum of four players and a maximum of six, however, it must also feature a goaltender if the team’s regular roster isn’t already carrying three of them.

With what the Bruins have already, this means that either Dan Vladar or Jeremy Swayman will be a part of their taxi squad. There’s no doubt that Tuukka Rask and Jaroslav Halak will be the B’s 1A and 1B options on the regular roster, but all the organization has in the minors are prospects.

Related Story. Boston Bruins: Five players destined for 2021 taxi squad. light

With that being said, I think it would be smart for Boston to leave Vladar and Swayman alone and let them play in the AHL. Therefore, the B’s should consider bringing in one of these three veteran netminders for the sole purpose of being on their taxi squad.

3. The Boston Bruins should consider bringing in Jimmy Howard for their taxi squad.

At one point in his career, Jimmy Howard was regarded as one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. However, now at the age of 36, he is past his prime and far over the hill.

Last season, Howard was horrendous. In 27 starts, he posted a 2-23-2 record with a .882 save percentage (SV%), 4.20 goals-against average (GAA), and .259 quality start percentage (QS%).

However, I don’t think Howard is solely to blame for his struggles in 2019-20. Howard was playing behind one of the worst teams in NHL history last year. Out of the four goalies that started for the Detroit Red Wings in 2019-20, just one had a SV% above .900 and a GAA under 3.00 — Jonathan Bernier with a .907 SV% and 2.95 GAA in 46 games, back up numbers at best.

So while Howard was dreadful, the team playing in front of him was worse. What could he do with a good team in front of him like the Bruins?

Even if he is bad, I don’t think he’ll have to start many games. His role is to take up the goalie spot on the B’s taxi squad so Vladar and Swayman can get consistent game action in the AHL. I don’t see how this option could hurt the Black and Gold in any way.

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