The Coyotes missed out on properly replacing Ilya Bryzgalov with another elite goaltender this Summer, but it looks like they will have an interesting contest between three veteran goalies and likely some prospects after they had signed Curtis McElhinney to a new 1-year deal on Monday. CapGeek.com is reporting that the now-journeyman keeper has signed a 1-year, two-way deal worth $625,000, so he will get a shot with an NHL club for the 2012 season.In 2011, McElhinney split time between Anaheim and Ottawa (not to mention a stop in Tampa Bay, where he didn't see any action), appearing in 28 games, having a record of 9-13-1 with 2 shutouts and 1 assist for 23 points in the pool. That was good enough for 48th in the league among goalies, which is also good enough for 2nd among the three active NHL goalies currently signed on with the Coyotes.
Well, if nothing elite is readily available, you might as well make a few hungry dogs fight for whatever positions are available and that's what the Coyotes may be looking to do. With Mike Smith and Jason LaBarbera already in the fold, Mark Visentin in the system, this could be a fun training camp for the Coyotes coaching staff. You may want to hold off prognosticating any statistics for any of these goalies until one goes head and shoulders above the rest.
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