Arizona Coyotes: Goaltending Prospects

Dec 2, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) warms up before the game against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

Goaltending has been a hot topic for the Arizona Coyotes this season as the starts are starting to be split by Mike Smith and Devan Dubnyk. Mike Smith has not panned out as we hoped and Devan Dubnyk has provided solid relief in between the pipes. But what about the other goaltenders? From the AHL to the WHL the Coyotes have a nice lineup of guys that are the future of Coyotes goaltending. Howlin’ Hockey gives you the go-to guys for the years to come.

Next: Mark Visentin

Mark Visentin

Apr 12, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mark Visentin (40) looks during the third period of his first career NHL start against the San Jose Sharks at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Current Team: Portland Pirates (AHL)     Date of Birth: August 7, 1992         

Drafted: 1st Round, 27th Overall in 2010     NHL Experience: 1 Game   

Mark Visentin is regarded as the next in line for the throne that is Arizona starting goaltenders. He has been the starting goalie for the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League the past couple of years. Visentin (or Vizzer as some call him) was drafted in 2010 and was called up to play for the Pirates in 2012 after spending three years with the Niagara Ice Dogs of the OHL. Mark Visentin has yet to play a game this season after suffering a lower body injury earlier this season. Last year, he was 14-19-6 with the Pirates with a 3.25 GAA and a .902 SV%. In his sole NHL start, Visentin had a 3.05 GAA and a .906 SV% in a 3-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks. He is also a member of the Canadian Junior National team where he produced amazing saves like the one below:

Next: Mike McKenna

Mike McKenna

Sep 25, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Mike McKenna (30) watches for the puck against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Current Team: Portland Pirates (AHL)     Date of Birth: April 11, 1983

Drafted: 6th Round, 172nd Overall in 2002     NHL Experience: 21 Games

Mike McKenna has been all over the place since the beginning of his professional career in 2005. He was drafted by the Nashville Predators (but never played a game for the Preds) and was then shipped around between the Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils, Columbus Blue Jackets, and finally the Arizona Coyote affiliate Portland Pirates. McKenna has yet to play a game in a Coyotes sweater but has 21 games to his NHL experience already. McKenna is currently 10-11-1 with the Portland Pirates with a 2.42 GAA and a .925 SV%. Through his NHL career, Mike McKenna is 5-10-2 with a 3.04 GAA and a .891 SV%. He has a few highlight saves as well:

Next: Louis Domingue

Mike Lee

Current Team: Gwinnett Gladiators (ECHL)     Date of Birth: October 5, 1990

Drafted: 3rd Round, 91st Overall in 2009     NHL Experience: 0 Games

Mike Lee has spent most of his professional career with the Gwinnett Gladiators of the ECHL. He has not seen much action this year as he is only 0-2-0 with a 4.59 GAA and a .833 SV% with the Glads. Could he see time on the NHL stage? May not seem likely but he has been able to provide relief for the Portland Pirates in the past. Mike Lee also started the gold medal game for Team USA’s Junior National team in 2010. Despite being pulled in the second, his team would go on to win the gold medal. Lee was lights-out in his final season with St. Cloud State in 2011 with a 2.23 GAA and a .930 SV%.

Next: Marek Langhamer

Marek Langhamer

Current Team: Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)     Date of Birth: July 22, 1994

Drafted: 7th Round, 184th Overall in 2012     NHL Experience: 0 Games

Marek Langhamer recently inked a three year entry level contract back in May but other than that there’s not much on him. He is still playing in the Western Hockey League for the Medicine Hat Tigers where he is 17-6-2 with a 2.31 GAA and a .917 SV% this year. He should see some action in Portland in the near future. Langhamer is a prominent member of Czech Republic’s National Junior team.

Next: Brendan Burke

Brendan Burke

Current Team: Portland Winterhawks (WHL)     Date of Birth: March 11, 1995

Drafted: 6th Round, 163rd Overall in 2013     NHL Experience: 0 Games

Brendan Burke is definitely an investment that should pay its dividends in the future. His claim to fame may be the fact that he is former Phoenix Coyotes goaltender and current Arizona Coyotes goaltending coach Sean Burke. Brendan has spent his career with the Portland Winterhawks where he is currently 7-7-3 with a 3.45 GAA and a .892 SV%.