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Projecting the Carolina Hurricanes prospects: Goalies

By Randy Yale

RALEIGH, NC - JUNE 29: Mike Vellucci, the new head coach of the Charlotte Checkers, instructs players during the Carolina Hurricanes Development Camp on June 29, 2017 at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - JUNE 29: Mike Vellucci, the new head coach of the Charlotte Checkers, instructs players during the Carolina Hurricanes Development Camp on June 29, 2017 at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NC – OCTOBER 24: Scott Darling #33 of the Carolina Hurricanes gets water during a timeout of a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on October 24, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – OCTOBER 24: Scott Darling #33 of the Carolina Hurricanes gets water during a timeout of a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on October 24, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Future of goaltending for the Carolina Hurricanes

The Canes have had some proven backups in the past when the team is at its best. For example, John Grahame, Anton Khudobin, and Manny Legace were all capable backups behind Ward for a few years. Kevin Weekes used to also be a very capable backup behind Arturs Irbe.

While goalie performance is often unpredictable (see Carey Price so far this season), it is likely that the replacement for Cam Ward as Scott Darling’s backup is among these prospects.  In fact, it is likely that when Darling’s contract is up after 2020-21, one of the above may well become the number goalie in Raleigh.

Next: Early look at 2018 NHL Draft targets for Carolina Hurricanes

I think Nedeljkovic will make it to the NHL in 2018-19 and prove a capable back-up.  In my opinion, the battle for starting NHL goalie will come down to Booth and Helvig.  I would give a slight advantage to Helvig.

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