Since the day he signed as a UFA with the Kings, we’ve referred to Cal Petersen as the heir apparent to goaltender Jonathan Quick in Los Angeles. While he remained largely unknown for the first few years in the organization (despite being the team’s No. 1 prospect at one point), last year was a coming out party for the 26-year-old netminder. And apparently, his Vegas Golden Knights brethren noticed too:
Vasy, rask,Peterson, Gibson, sorokin. Flower.
— Robin Lehner (@RobinLehner) August 12, 2021
When interacting with some of his twitter followers this week, Robin Lehner was asked for his list of the Top 5 goalies in the league (excluding himself).
Sure, he actually named six goalies, but we’ll let that slide because it still puts Petersen — who saw action in 35 games with LA during the shortened 2021 season — in some pretty rare company.
Among the other goalies listed in Lehner’s tweet include Andrei Vasilevskiy (the two-time and reigning Stanley Cup champion, 2021 Conn Smythe winner, and previous Vezina Trophy winner) and Tuukka Rask (another Cup champion and Vezina Trophy winner).
John Gibson being included probably didn’t surprise too many people, as he’s been in the Vezina conversation the past few seasons. Meanwhile, Islanders fans probably know the value of Ilya Sorokin (who finished Top 10 in the league this past season for save percentage and shutouts), although many on social media saw him as unlikely name among the group — especially without mentioning guys like Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck or Calder Trophy finalist Alex Nedeljkovic.
The tweet was somewhat reminiscent of this summer’s NHLPA poll. With Drew Doughty’s stock taking a hit on hockey twitter the past few seasons, NHL players see things much differently. The Kings top rearguard was voted as one of the league’s five best defensemen.
Here, being recognized among the goaltending elite by one of your peers has to be a boost for Petersen’s confidence.
Some more LA Kings contract news, and we'll break it down on an all new @kingsofthepod later today…
With goalie Cal Petersen set to become a UFA next summer, look for some activity there before season starts. Expecting a 4-5 yr deal. As always, money likely dictates the term.
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) August 6, 2021
As we reported previously, look for the Kings to close in on a multi-year extension with Petersen before the 2021-22 seasons gets going in October.
We also had Petersen on Kings Of The Podcast recently, where he talked about his time in LA, the success he had with Team USA at this year’s IIHF World Championships, and shared some funny stories about a few prospects. The entire interview can be found below.
RELATED CONTENT:
Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or interviews from this site please remember to include a link to www.MayorsManor.com
Wow, can’t believe how Lehner threw Mark Andre Fleury under the bus. What a piece of work!!
Seems like he kind of threw Fleury in as an afterthought. I guess, out of sight, out of mind now that they’re no longer on the same team.
Curious that he listed Rask as one of his 5, since Rask seems to be on his way out with Boston.
On a tangential note, is it just me or does it seem like more teams are going with a 1A/1B goalie arrangement rather than a dominant starter? I assume Peterson and Quick will be that way again next season. But then, around when Peterson’s next contract expires, Parik or Ingham may emerge to challenge him.
Alex Nedeljkovic is now in Detroit after being traded for an expiring contract and a 3rd round pick. Therefore, nobody should be considering him a top 5 goalie.