As the Pittsburgh Penguins make headway toward the beginning of training camp, the organization seems to have more depth at the NHL level than it has in a few years.
And there is, perhaps, no position with more depth than goaltending.
On June 20, the Penguins re-signed goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, seemingly solidifying plans to run it back with the same goaltending tandem they had in 2023-24. Tristan Jarry, who signed a five-year, $26.875 million contract last summer and is on the hook for four more years, figures to occupy the other half of the tandem.
Welcome back, Ned!
The Penguins have re-signed goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic to a two-year contract.
The contract runs through the 2025.26 season and carries an average annual value of $2.5 million.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) June 20, 2024
It’s no secret, however, that the Penguins’ tandem of Nedeljkovic and Jarry came with a mixed bag of results. Even though the Penguins ranked 13th in overall team goaltending with a combined .903 save percentage, their individual numbers did not impress.
Jarry ranked 36th amongst qualified goaltenders in save percentage at .903 and had a decent-but-not great 2.6 goals saved above expected, ranking 31st among qualified goaltenders. Nedeljkovic ranked 39th in save percentage at .902. and turned in a mediocre -3.3 goals saved above expected.
In other words, although the tandem was okay, they could use some insurance. And they have that in the form of a few prospects who are knocking at the door in Joel Blomqvist, Taylor Gauthier, and Sergei Murashev.
Joel Blomqvist
Drafted: 2020 2nd-Round Pick (52nd overall), Pittsburgh
Age: 22
2023-24 Stats (AHL, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton): 25-12-6; .921 SV%; 2.16 GAA
Blomqvist, a 2024 AHL All-Star, appears ready to take the next step at the NHL level, which is what made the decision to bring back Nedeljkovic a bit puzzling. Blomqvist was recalled briefly by the Penguins on an emergency basis last season, but he did not make his NHL debut.
That should change this season. Blomqvist being on the cusp, especially with two other prospects waiting in the wings directly behind him, signals that the organization values having him as insurance for the NHL tandem. It could also potentially be a sign that GM and POHO Kyle Dubas plans to have a short leash and may explore trading one of his NHL goaltenders at some point this season to acquire more draft capital and/or prospects, which has been rumored for quite a while.
In any case, there is a lot to like about Blomqvist. His rebound control could use some work, but pretty much everything else checks out. Pens fans should expect to see him sometime this season.
Joel Blomqvist mixtape 2023-24. I tried to include a selection of saves that I thought did well to highlight his various strengths in goal. Little bit of everything here. A primer for those unfamiliar with his work. pic.twitter.com/dXDLRByopS
— Jesse Marshall (@jmarshfof) April 22, 2024
Taylor Gauthier
Drafted: Undrafted (signed to ELC by Pittsburgh in 2022)
Age: 23
2023-24 Stats (AHL, ECHL (Wheeling Nailers):
– AHL: 1-2-1; .889 SV%; 3.87 GAA
– ECHL: 24-16-1; .923 SV%; 2.23 GAA
Despite winning the Nick Vitucci award for ECHL Goaltender of the Year in 2023-24, Gauthier’s ceiling is likely either as an AHL starter or NHL backup, at best. Although he put up decent numbers for WBS in 2022-23, the depth of goaltending talent in the Penguins’ organization will likely block him from making a huge impact.
It’s possible that he starts the year as Blomqvist’s backup in WBS, and – especially if Blomqvist does see extended time at the NHL level – he may have another chance to prove himself at the AHL level. If he does post solid numbers, he’s also someone who could potentially be used as a trade chip if a sensible trade opportunity arises.
Regardless, he will be a good option to have in the system to ensure that the Penguins have some flexibility and options at the position, especially given Jarry’s injury history.
5 ECHL qualified goalies had save percentages of .918+ in 2023-24. The 2024-25 status:
.923 Taylor Gauthier, WHL (AHL deal)
.921 Cam Johnson, FLA (AHL deal)
.920 Hunter Vorva, KAL (Signed in England)
.920 Brad Arvanitis, MNE (Re-signed in MNE)
.918 Jeremy Brodeur, ADK (AHL deal)— ECHL Stats (@EchlStats) August 19, 2024
Sergei Murashov
Drafted: 2022 4th-Round Pick (118th overall), Pittsburgh
Age: 20
2023-24 Stats (KHL, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl; MHL, Loko Yaroslavl):
– KHL: 3-1-2; .925 SV%; 1.84 GAA
– MHL: 24-4-2; .930 SV%; 2.03 GAA
If there is one goaltending prospect that Penguins’ fans should be excited about, it’s Murashov.
This kid is going to be good. Possibly, really good. He has already blossomed as one of the league’s best goaltending prospects and spent time in both the KHL, Russia’s top professional league, and the MHL, its top development league, last season.
He impressed in both. Between both leagues from 2021-24, Murashov has never had a save percentage below .925. He’s quick, he’s athletic, his spatial awareness is advanced, and he has great puck instincts. And, most importantly, in his KHL games, he’s proven he can handle the pressures of playing at higher levels of hockey.
Both Murashov and Blomqvist have already reported to Pittsburgh, and Murashov signed his ELC in July. There is already some debate as to whether Murashov or Gauthier will get the second goaltending spot in WBS, and this may be something that the Penguins determine as training camp unfolds.
Nonetheless, continue to keep a watchful eye on Murashov’s development, as he has all the tools and makings of a future franchise goaltender.
Related: Penguins Sign Goaltending Prospect to Entry-Level Contract
Related: Penguins Decide to Run it Back With Jarry and Nedeljkovic
Related: Where does Rutger McGroarty fit in the Penguins’ lineup?
