3 goalies who'll be on a short leash next season

Few positions in pro hockey are as hotly debated as goaltending, and for good reason - starting netminders can make or break a team's season in a matter of weeks.

Before the latter situation comes to fruition, though, 'tenders usually lose their starting duties to a goalie who's been deemed more capable of getting the job done.

Here are three goalies who will be on a short leash come October.

Connor Hellebuyck - Winnipeg Jets

When the Jets signed Hellebuyck to a one-year, $2.25-million contract in July, it signified their willingness to give the 24-year-old one more shot at being the Jets' No. 1 goalie.

It also indicated Hellebuyck's margin for error is razor thin, as the club was clearly unwilling to commit to the unproven netminder long term.

His leash is especially short due to his poor numbers and performance last season. In 56 appearances for Paul Maurice's club - 53 of them starts - Hellebuyck recorded a .907 save percentage and a 2.89 goals-against average while struggling to maintain his hold on the No. 1 gig.

Former third-round pick and backup Michael Hutchinson was given ample opportunity to steal the crease, and showed flashes of bona-fide starter ability. But he also struggled to find consistency, going 8-9-0 across 20 starts.

Despite Hutchinson's lackluster performance, the cloud of doubt over Hellebuyck grows with each passing Maurice tirade.

Don't forget, the Jets signed Steve Mason for a reason.

Brian Elliott - Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers need a goaltender. No, this isn't a broken record, merely a recurring problem that's plagued them since Ron Hextall retired in 1999.

Instead of simplifying things in the blue paint, the Flyers complicated their mess by adding Elliott, an aging puck-stopper who's yet to top 30 wins in his NHL career.

Last season, Elliott had a decent showing during his first (and only) year with the Calgary Flames, starting 45 games and registering a 26-18-3 record. However, Philly doesn't boast the same crop of defensive-minded blue-liners that Calgary does, meaning Elliott will face a whole lot of rubber - the Flyers allowed the 12th-most total goals in the NHL last year.

All due respect to a veteran who's made 300-plus NHL starts, but Elliott is far from the answer the Flyers are looking for. With capable backup Michal Neuvirth and rookie Anthony Stolarz breathing down his neck, Elliott's leash is sure to be short.

Robin Lehner - Buffalo Sabres

Lehner is easily the most talented goalie on this list, but he'll still ride the pine if he struggles to start the season.

When healthy, Lehner's shown he can be the No. 1 guy. During the last two campaigns for the Sabres, he's posted solid numbers despite playing on a club that's toiled near the bottom of the standings.

A .921 save percentage and 2.63 goals-against average should be enough to earn him day-to-day starting duties, but Buffalo's quality backup options threaten his job security.

Linus Ullmark and Chad Johnson both have the pedigree and talent to fill in should Lehner fail to stop pucks, especially Ullmark, a former goalie of the year in the Swedish Elite League.

Johnson, meanwhile, proved last campaign that he has what it takes to hang as a starting netminder. Across 36 starts for the Flames, Johnson performed admirably, earning a record of 18-15-1 to go along with a 2.59 goals-against average, .910 save percentage, and three shutouts.

Lehner needs a hot start - unless he wants to spend some time in Phil Housley's doghouse.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

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