The Devils Ink The Kink, And The Most Lovable Backup In The League Stays In New Jersey

The Devils announce the signing of UFA goalie Keith Kinkaid (28 on 7/4) to a 2-yr contract w/ AAV $1.25M; 2017-18: $1.2M/ 2018-19: $1.3M.

— Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) June 29, 2017

Cell service wasn't great here but couldn't be happier to be back with @njdevils ! □

A post shared by Keith Kinkaid (@blockaid1) on Jun 29, 2017 at 4:41pm PDT

Over the years I have learned that people that enjoy hockey more than they understand hockey are most likely to rear their ugly heads and open their verbal vomit-filled mouthes when goaltending is being discussed. Something about the inability to comprehend that the last line of defense isn't always at fault really brings out the worst in the unknowledgeable.

That's why I wasn't too surprised to learn that some Devils' fans were disappointed to see a reliable, steadily improving backup goaltender get signed to a relatively cheap, two-year contract that pays him accordingly for his largely successful spot duty. After all, how could I be? They are probably the same damn people that thought Cory Schneider's admittedly subpar season was the reason that a defenseless team had a harder time getting the rubber out of their end than a girl that got a little too aggressive while having protected sex with the world's largest cucumber. 

I guess what I am trying to say - in extremely crude fashion - is that Keith Kinkaid should be universally welcomed back with open arms. That's not to say he's a capable second starter, but he's not being paid - or asked, for that matter - to fill that role. This team goes as far as Cory Schneider takes it, but being able to trust the guy that was - at times - the best goalie on the roster last year is quite the luxury to have.

Sure, I have a soft spot for Keith Kinkaid because he's a lovable sweetheart with pinchable cheeks who I half expect to work "awwww, shucks" into every postgame interview he gives. More importantly, however, he's a guy that's ready to go when called upon and doesn't complain if that proverbial phone doesn't ring for awhile. When your roster rides on the back of one of the five best netminders on the planet, that's exactly the type of affordable insurance policy you need.