With the fantasy hockey season winding down, managers in keeper leagues need to start considering players to bring over to the 2009-2010 season. This is the fifth segment in a 5 part series exploring keeper options for deep keeper leagues.

Questionable Starters

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Tim Thomas / Manny Fernandez | Boston Bruins
Both goaltenders are UFAs at the end of this year and with Thomas’ rock solid play in the past 2 seasons, he will definitely be due for a raise. Fernandez has also proven his worth to the organization, however, shouldn’t expect to see almost 5 million dollars from the Bruins again next season. It certainly is an interesting scenario and while one would assume Boston would continue to use both tenders, there is a dynamite prospect waiting in the shadows in Tuukka Rask. There are certainly several scenarios for the Bruins to consider next season, but if you’re a Fernandez owner looking for starts next season, you may want to consider having a backup plan. It’s took early to tell, but with Fernandez’s injury history, it would be safe to infer that Boston would not keep Fernandez as a starter and allow Thomas to go elsewhere. That’s about the only surefire bet to make right now, so stay tuned.

Nikolai Khabibulin / Cristobal Huet | Chicago Blackhawks
We know one thing is for certain: The ‘Bulin Wall won’t be making 6.75 million dollars next season in Chicago. He has proven that he can still play well but with Chicago already paying Huet 5.6 million for the next two seasons, it would seem unlikely to have him back again competing for the starting job. Don’t lose hope on him yet, however. There are several teams looking for help between the pipes this off-season. He doesn’t fit the mold of a back-up tender just yet. He still has a few good seasons left in him.

Martin Biron / Antero Niittymäki | Philadelphia Flyers
Martin Biron has certainly been the favored goaltender over the past month or two of play. This would lead one to believe that Martin Biron may be sticking around in Philly as the starter but don’t jump to conclusions just yet. Biron has been somewhat unreliable for the Flyers and is just finally showing consistency in his play. Biron shouldn’t see a spike in his salary if he stays with Philly and neither should Niittymäki. It’s feasible that both tenders remain in town next year and continue with a similar system as this year. Keep an eye on this situation in the off-season for sure.

Chris Osgood / Ty Conklin | Detroit Red Wings
Conklin is due for a contract for a contract at the end of this season and if he remains a Wing, he would not be a terrible option to bring over to next season. Osgood isn’t getting any younger, so he will need a solid backup in case he begins to struggle next season, or needs a breather. While Detroit’s goaltending isn’t stellar, it holds the fort while the offense runs the show. One thing to consider is that Conklin is certainly not the starting goaltender of the future for the Red Wings. Don’t put it past Detroit to acquire a solid young player or prospect to give them an option when Osgood can’t keep up anymore. Also, managers who are planning on keeping Osgood should consider nabbing his backup in the draft next season (if available) in order to cover your assets.

Pekka Rinne / Dan Ellis | Nashville Predators
Try this one for size: the goaltender turnover ratio in Nashville is EXTREMELY high. 2 years ago, Tomas Vokoun goes down with a serious condition that keeps him sidelined for months. Chris Mason is asked to take over and plays stellar in relief. Nashville then trades Vokoun to Florida and names Mason their starter. The next season starts and Mason struggles. Dan Ellis comes in to provide a shake up and steals the show. The result is Mason being traded to St. Louis and Ellis being named the starter. Enter this season. Ellis has been just awful. Rinne jumps in and continues to steal the show. If trends continue in Nashville, we SHOULD see Rinne between the pipes to start the season, however it’s too early to tell if the Preds have given up on Ellis just yet. Ellis owners need a serious backup plan in case we see the worst possible outcome.

Vesa Toskala | Toronto Maple Leafs
While Toskala has one more year on his contract, understand that the Leafs will probably be doing a complete overhaul this summer and mixing up their roster quite a bit. Toskala hasn’t exactly lived up to Maple Leaf standards, and with Kolzig, Cujo, Gerber and Pogge all needing contracts, it’s difficult to say what is going to happen. Pogge is certainly the future of the franchise between the pipes, so he might not be a bad pickup before the season is out. Keep a close eye on the Leafs this off-season as they should be one of the busiest teams in the league.

Scott Clemmensen | New Jersey Devils
After his performance this season for the Devils, Clemmensen should merit some serious attention from teams around the league looking for a starting goaltender. He proved his worth this season and would be a great candidate for a team looking for help in net. It would be a shame to not see him starting between the pipes next season, so managers looking to take a chance may want to consider nabbing him before the season is out.

1. Top Tier Goaltenders for Keeper Leagues in the 2009-2010 Fantasy Hockey Season
2. Solid Goaltending Options for Keeper Leagues in the 2009-2010 Fantasy Hockey Season
3. Serviceable Goaltending Options for Keeper Leagues in the 2009-2010 Fantasy Hockey Season
4. Questionable Goaltending Options for Keeper Leagues in the 2009-2010 Fantasy Hockey Season (Part 1)