Today I ask "stay or go" regarding the future of goaltender Martin Biron.
2011-12 Regular season statistics- 21 GP 12 wins 6 losses 2 OTL // GA 2.46 SV .904 2 SO
Contract History- Signed 2 year, $1,750,000 contract in 2010
Cap hit- $875,000 (UFA) (capgeek.com)
Season Review:
Biron was one of the better backup goaltenders in the NHL for a large swath of the season. Marty held a 10-2-1 record in the middle of February and was a unheralded reason for the Rangers success this season. However, Biron only won 2 of his last 7 starts as he began to struggle and allowed some bad goals that usually put the Rangers in the loss column for that night.
Stay or Go:
While I did very much enjoy having Biron as a security blanket for Lundqvist this season, at 34 I really have to wonder how much he has left in the tank, even in a backup role. The Rangers boast 4 goaltenders down on the farm and I'm beginning to wonder if the Rangers are going to give some of those kids a chance the way the franchise has done with the rest of the roster. While none of the Ranger goaltending prospects are legit blue-chip players, it may be worth giving one of them a shot. Notably, Chad Johnson, who split time with Cam Talbot for the Connecticut Whale this past season, is the likely the choice to back-up Lundqvist if the Rangers don't decide to re-new Biron. The franchise must have some faith in Johnson as he was Lundqvist's backup a season ago when Biron was lost to a broken collarbone, although Johnson never saw the ice. While I give Biron a slightly better than 50-50 chance at return, I would like to see what else is out there before committing another contract to Biron.
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