To try and get in the mind of professional athletes to gain a peek at what goes with their decision making process is about as impossible to do as playing an entire game skating backwards.  This is even more so in hockey.  Then there is the mindset of an NHL Goalie!

As we approach July 1 and the free agency scramble, according to multiple reports, including the New York Post and Bleacher Report, the Rangers are fully committed to signing backup goaltender, Marty Biron.  Couple that Coach Tort’s confidence in Biron for him to carry out his game plan of limiting King Henrik to 62-to-64 starts (62 last year), it looks good for Marty staying with the Rangers.

One of the only goalies in league history to play for all 3 New York franchises, Biron posted an impressive 20 starts (21 games in total) and posted a 12-6-2 record. His goals against average finished with 2.46, following an impressive 9-2 with a 1.87 goals-against average start.  He is they type of net-minder that I want backing up Venzina Trophy winner, Henrik Lundqvist.  We are however, entering free-agency weekend and of course that means, “who knows” when it comes to most players, especially with the dollars that are going to be flying around.

Of course we would love Marty to stay, but if he does decide to go, what are the Ranger’s options?  Let’s take a look at a couple goalies out there that may fit the task at hand.  I will eliminate worthy candidates who probably will NOT be leaving their teams or the cap hit would simply be too high with offers tendered, like Moose Hedburg or Marty Turco.

1. Scott Clemmensen (FLA)
Age: 34
2011-12 stats: 30 games, 14-6-6 , 2.57 goals against average, .913 save percentage
2011-12 cap hit: $1.2 million

If I were to have a selection of all the free agents who are comfortable with the position of back-up goalie, this would be my choice, IF Biron does not return.  Clemmensen has been an understudy of Martin Brodeur for most of his career.  Now an established veteran backup in the NHL, he has proven his versatility in his ability to play long stretches of games, like in the 2008-09 season when he played in 40 games, or short stretches, as he has also played in six games in a season. He is a top-notch backup who can have good numbers, while playing lots of games if need be.  This seems to fit Coach Tort’s system.

2. Josh Harding (MIN)
Age: 27
2011-12 stats: 34 games, 13-12-4, 2.62 goals against average, .923 save percentage
2011-12 cap hit: $750 thousand

After a suffering a significant knee injury in the 2010-2011 season, Harding bounced back nicely last season.  Considering the Wild’s method of play in not pushing up ice and getting trapped in their own zone, I think the potential for him at his age could be immense.  Harding may even draw a starting offer or two. Playing 34 games last season; he may see a decrease in playing time to feed into the Bluehsirt mentality.

3.  Chris Mason (WPG)
Age: 34
2011-12 stats: 20 games, 8-7-1 , 2.59 goals against average, .900 save percentage
2011-12 cap hit: $1.85 million

Mason is a reach, but I wanted to present 3 options.  His cap hit is substantially more than other back-up goalies available.  His games played are a little low for my liking as well.  However, Mason’s minutes have gone down drastically over the past two years, but he has averaged a solid 2.63 GAA and .910 save percentage in his NHL Career.  More minutes = more rhythm for goalies.  Hey, what else can I say, I like the guy as a third option.

In closing, I would love to see Marty Biron stay with the club.  He is probably the best goalie out there, is comfortable in his role, and fits Coach Tort’s system perfectly.  It will be interesting, as it always is, to see how everything plays out beginning July 1, 2012.  I SO love this game!