from Nick Kypreos at the Toronto Star,

Not long ago, teams without a star goaltender would never be considered contenders for the Stanley Cup. But that idea of relying on a great goalie to carry a team deep into the playoffs seems to have faded for a number of NHL clubs, including the reigning Stanley Cup champs.

It’s been six years since Carey Price signed an eight-year deal with a $10.5-million (U.S.) annual salary in Montreal. Florida gave Sergei Bobrovsky a $10-million average just two years later, and since then teams seem to be less inclined to put that much faith in the position. Even Connor Hellebuyck quickly signed on the dotted line when he realized teams such as New Jersey weren’t willing to pay anywhere near the $8.5-million average that Winnipeg offered. It’s by no means a horrible contract for Hellebuyck, but it’s clear his position may no longer be seen as the ultimate key to a championship.

Several rule changes have played into the demise of the goaltender, as proven by a steady decline in save percentage from its peak of .915 during the 2015-16 season all the way down to just .903 last season: more penalty calls to create power plays, the removal of the red line, no defensive substitutions after icings. It’s all led to more offence. Not to mention the trapezoid area, founded after the 2004-05 lockout and designed to penalize goalies for being too good at handling the puck. A rule cracking down on a trained skill might be the most insulting of them all.

Let’s not forget the league's constant threat of suspensions and fines for goalies who refused to streamline their equipment so they can’t stop as many pucks.

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