Still, his AHL numbers (.920 save percentage over 26 games) were promising. If you’re seeking a relative unknown goalie as a sleeper pick with some upside potential, consider big-bodied (6’4″, 206) Johansson. He could pay dividends over the first few weeks of the campaign, and certainly looked ready for the part on Friday, putting up a 42-save shutout.

Still, Copley started more games than ever and wound up saving a lot of rubber, and after winning 15 times through his first 20 games, he earned himself a one-year extension. Not bad for a third string goalie!

Unfortunately, he cooled in January, went invisible in February and was only slightly better in March. But Steel is getting another opportunity to show what he can do now that Shaw is out, and while he’s been quiet so far, the ice time has been there, and that’s enough to warrant consideration.

Tolvanen has actually slowed down since his amazing start in Seattle in January, but his overall numbers are still pretty damned good since moving west with 145 individual chances for. When selected in the first round in 2017, his skill, hockey smarts and shot were all lauded attributes, so his breakout really shouldn’t be a massive shock, but it’s clear the change of scenery did the trick here.

All he’s done is score four goals with eight apples over the last 14 games while looking very much the part of a No. 1 blueliner. Assuming Matheson can stay healthy (he’s had troubles doing so in recent seasons) the rest of the way, he’s a must-own Fantasy asset. In fact, had he not missed the beginning of the season, he would have likely set a new career high in goals. As a bonus, Matheson is logging crazy minutes lately (over 27 per game this month).

Not surprisingly, the rust showed, but with rumours suggested he’s on the trade block, he could be showcased between now and the deadline. Talbot, 35, is an UFA after the season, so the motivation is certainly there to prove he can still be more than a backup goalie after posting his highest GAA since 2018-19.

Okay, his +/- is dreadful, but there are many ways he can help you, highlighted by a crapload of hits and blocks. Chiarot doesn’t get many offensive zone starts (42.5 per cent), so it’s no surprise his Corsi For percentage is very poor, a disappointment compared to how well he fared for the Panthers down the stretch last season.