Observations:

September 2013- Anton Khudobin had a fantastic game against the Montreal Canadiens giving Carolina its first victory of preseason on the 21st. Khudobin made 41 saves on 42 shots and out played Cary Price to give the Canes some confidence between nets. Khudobin is expected to fill in as back up to Cam Ward, but has the talent and ability to be a starter in the NHL. If Ward struggles early look for Khudobin to get his fair share of play.

July 2013- Anton Khudobin has signed a one year $800,000 contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. Kuhdobin brings some serious consistency as back up to Cam ward. With Ward going down for an extended period over the shortened season, The Hurricanes lacked a back up that could take over the number one and their season fell apart. With the Khudobin signing the Hurricanes solidify a talented tandem between the pipes that could be one of the strongest in the NHL. Andrew Ward

June 2013 – As expected, he had an excellent season as the relief man for Tuukka Rask, going 9-5 with a shutout while posting a strong GAA of 2.32 and .920 SV%. Khudobin started the season in the KHL for the lockout on a poor Mytischi team, but still played strong. He is going into the off season as a UFA and possibly an owner of a Stanley Cup ring. With Boston running close to the cap and needing to sign Rask who is likely destine for a five plus million contract, the team may part ways with Khudobin who would also likely wish for a raise. Rumor is a few teams may be willing to step up and offer him a contract with a raise an opportunity to compete for a starting gig. The KHL remains a strong possibility, as teams back home have been more than willing step up and offer lucrative contracts. Should another NHL team offer him an opportunity, he would be worth holding on a fantasy roster, even as a backup he holds some value to a roster in need. Jason Banks

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August 2012 – Khudobin has extremely fun to watch style of play that will make you keep coming back for more. He burst on to the international scene in 2003 as a member of Russia’s Under 18 program that won a gold medal. He followed with two World Junior Championship silver medals. He a smallish goalie but to this point it has not held him back. Reliant on reaction and reflexes, he is very tough to shoot against on breakaways, and hopefully his shootout record will eventually prove that. He has performed very strongly at all levels of junior and professional hockey. He thrives on heavy workload, but also can be explosive in spot duty.

Boston somehow convinced him to stay and play third string last season as he was on the edge of returning to Russia and the KHL. The fact he did stay has proven to be the ultimate career changing decision, as now he finally steps into an uncontested backup role, with a chance to prove his ability to possibly project to more. His whole career he’s shown the ability to keep consistent goals against average in the middle two range or lower, which is much easier with stronger teammates in front of him, something he should enjoy in Boston.

Fantasy Outlook: B-

Definitely a viable fantasy option in deep leagues that have use for backups. Has some potential to be a Starter at some point, but needs the opportunity.

Footage: Khudobin making an excellent second effort save while in Houston with the Areos

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Fantasy Prospects Report Notes (Any FPR’s released in the last 18 months will not be listed here):

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Anton Khudobin courtesy of Elite Prospects