The only thing we know for certain about Anton Khudobin and the 2012-13 season is that he’s due to make eight times as much money as he did last season, regardless of where he’s playing in North America.
Khudobin has a one-way contract for next season at $800,000. Now will he be cashing his checks in Boston, Providence or some other locale? Well, that remains to be seen.
It sounds like Boston general manager Peter Chiarelli is married to another season of the Tim Thomas-Tuukka Rask show. That would make Khudobin an AHLer, unless he’s claimed on waivers.
Based on last season’s performances in the AHL and NHL, not to mention his few opportunities to play in Minnesota, Khudobin is a legit NHL goaltender. Somehow you figure he’s going to land an NHL job by the end of fall’s training camp.
Regular season: Boston, 1 GP, 1.00 GAA, .978 save percentage; Providence, 44 GP, 2.61 GAA, .919 save pct.
Playoffs: Backed up Thomas for first five games against Capitals.
Contract status: Signed through 2012-13 at $875,000
Regular season recap
Highlight: No one can accuse Khudobin of not taking advantage of his opportunities. In his one performance for Boston, the netminder made 44 saves on 45 shots in a 3-1 win at Ottawa.
Lowlight: When Tuukka Rask was injured March 3, it looked like there would be an opportunity for Khudobin to get an NHL shot. However, Khudobin was already nursing an injury of his own and wasn’t able to make it to Boston until the start of April.
Playoff recap: Khudobin helped keep Bruins shooters sharp in practice and morning skates.
Grade: A. How can you give him a lower grade, considering his Thomas-like remarkable performance in Ottawa? Talk about making a statement to the NHL brass.
Carnac predicts … after a great training camp, Khudobin is either traded or lost on waivers at the end of training camp because Thomas and Rask aren’t going anywhere.