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Backup NHL Goaltenders Most Likely to Become Starters in 2016-17

NHL teams in the cap era spend most of the goalie dollars on the starter, with backup money in and around $1 million for many clubs. The backups are expected to start fewer games—15 to 30 in a normal year—and fill in adequately for injury problems or slumps.

Hockey clubs are always morphing and that includes depth charts at each position. Some of the highly paid veterans are fading due to age, injury and bad luck. Some backups are gaining the confidence of the coach and still other teams have a top prospect ripping up the minor leagues.