NHL Free Agent Rumors 2011: The 8 Best Goaltenders Still Available

With NHL free agency 2011 winding down, and the best players already scooped up by teams looking to define themselves, it seems as though the last 12 days were a definite frenzy.

However, now is the time that team general managers make their money.

It is one thing to sign a premiere free agent; it is another to sign players that fit well with the players and help the team succeed.

Along those lines come the backup goalie position.

Time and time again, we see backup goalies making a name for themselves when an injury occurs or the starter is not producing enough.

Even though there are only a few significant free-agent goalies remaining, there are still teams searching for that safety net just in case.

Here are the top eight goalies left and where they are headed.

8. Martin Gerber

Gerber has spent eight seasons in the NHL, most recently for the Edmonton Oilers last season where he went 3-0-0. 

The 36-year-old got his time back in 2005-06 when he played in 60 games for the Carolina Hurricanes.  Gerber went 38-14 that year.

Although he is no premiere goaltender, Gerber can be a solid backup given the chance.

New Team:  Pittsburgh Penguins

7. Jhonas Enroth

Enroth is just 22 years old, but already, his time may be up in Buffalo after the Sabres signed Drew MacIntyre to back up Ryan Miller. However, Enroth's potential and natural talent may have Buffalo rethinking this.

Behind Miller, Enroth went 9-2-0 in 13 starts last season with a 2.73 goals against average.

Because he is so young, he can be a suitable backup in the NHL next season.

Team:  Buffalo Sabres

6. Chris Osgood

A hitch was put in the Chris Osgood negotiations yesterday when the Red Wings signed goalie Joey MacDonald as the backup to Jimmy Howard.

Or is he?

Osgood has expressed his desire to stay in Detroit and prove that he can be a proficient backup to Howard. However, Osgood only played in 11 games last season.

The odds are that Osgood re-signs and finishes out his career in Detroit.

Team:  Detroit Red Wings

5. Patrick Lalime

Last season's performance by Lalime has some team wondering whether or not this goalie belongs in the NHL anymore.

After an 0-5-0 record last season behind Ryan Miller in Buffalo, things cannot get any worse.

However, if a team can take a gamble on him and hope he can rekindle his days in Ottawa, then they are wiser than me.

Team:  Buffalo Sabres

4. Pascal LeClaire

LeClaire is still a talent in the NHL, and any team willing to take a risk and sign him to a contract is thinking that exact same way.

However, with only 60 total games in the last three years and just coming off hip surgery, his days in the NHL may be coming to a close.

New Team:  Europe

3. Marty Turco

Does Turco still have starting stuff in him after being beat out by rookie Corey Crawford for the starting spot in Chicago?

It's debatable.

However, a team like the Phoenix Coyotes could use a decent start over LaBarbera and Climie.

We will find out if Turco is out of gas this upcoming season.  If he is, then it is a career on hockey television for him.

New Team:  Phoenix Coyotes

2. Ty Conklin

At the start of free agency, it was unclear as to whether Conklin was a starter or backup in the NHL.  Twelve days later, it is safe to say the only available positions are as backups.

Conklin's .881 save percentage and 3.22 GAA in 2010-11 is not helping anybody, either.

The decision rests on the Red Wings' shoulders as they choose whether they want Osgood or Conklin as their backup behind Jimmy Howard.

All signs point towards Conklin, but Osgood would love to finish in Detroit.

New Team:  Detroit Red Wings

1. Ray Emery

With Emery's performance down the stretch for the Anaheim Ducks last season, it is safe to say that he deserves a starting gig in the NHL.

However, there are not many of those left.

If he does get a starting job, it will be with the Phoenix Coyotes, but I see him landing a job in Columbus.

New Team:  Columbus Blue Jackets