Why Curtis McElhinny deserves a new contract

COLUMBUS, Ohio –  There is no question that Sergei Bobrovsky has a secure job with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Russian born netminder is without a doubt one of the best in the world and at the top of his game. However Bobrovsky sat out with a groin injury joining the many in the ranks in the Jackets injury reserve. Enter Curtis McElhinny. McElhinny started fourteen games in Bobrovsky’s absence. During that time, McElhinny had 8 wins, 413 saves, a 2.59 goals against average, and a .940 save percentage. These stats are mediocre at best, but they don’t tell the whole story. With numerous injuries to key players McElhinny kept the Jackets in many games where they could have lost by more goals. At the same he made key saves making him the reason why they won the game. This being said, Curtis McElhinny deserves a new contract and a raise.

Last June the McElhinny signed a one year contract extension with the Jackets. During the 2013-2014 McElhinny was one of the big reasons why the Jackets made it to the playoffs when Bobrovsky was injured. This season McElhinny went 12-14-0 with a .914 save% and a GAA of 2.88. Once again these stats are unimpressive. However, there is the fact that defensemen Ryan Murray and James Wisniewski other key players who were injured caused other teams to turn the Jackets goal into a shooting gallery. The Jackets had 15 games where their opponents shot over 40 shots on net. McElhinny was in goal for six of these games. With injuries and pathetic defensive play by the cast, McElhinny had an outstanding season keeping the Jackets from a far worse season than what could have been.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have until July 1st to re sign McElhinny to another contract. They can easily get McElhinny for about $1-1.2 million. This is a steal considering the fact that higher paid back up goaltenders aren’t any better. For instance, Michal Neuvirth, the backup for New York Islanders netminder, Jaroslav Halak made $2.6 million this season. Neuvirth was traded from the Buffalo Sabers to the Islanders earlier this season. When he was with the Sabers, Neuvirth went 6-17-0 with a save% of .918 with a GAA of 2.99. When he came to the Islanders Neuvirth went 5-1-3 with a save% of. .881 And a GAA of 2.94. McElhinny would be wise to ask for a raise considering this fact. 

If the Jackets don’t sign him to a better contract, who are they going to get as a back up? Anton Forsberg has done a fantastic job for the Springfield Falcons going 20-8-1 with a GAA of 2.00. When he came to play for the Jackets, Forsberg got shelled. They can get a free agent this summer to back up Bobrovsky, but keep in mind, they would be backing up one of the best goalies in the world. They would want more than what might be offered on the table. There is an old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” This would be the case for Curtis McElhinny.