Heading into training camp and the preseason it was expected that Anders Lindback had the lead on the backup spot behind Kari Lehtonen over Jussi Rynnas — Lindback was signed first, he was signed for more money and he had the more extensive experience in the NHL.
Yet Lindback was coming off a rather inauspicious ending to his season in Tampa Bay and Rynnas had enjoyed one heck of a season last year in Finland, and through the first three days of camp it looked like Rynnas may have grabbed the upper hand on the battle. Rynnas was sharp in practice and scrimmages while Lindback was a bit slower to really stand out — and then the preseason games began.
The Dallas Stars have placed Jussi Rynnas on waivers. It seems Anders Lindback has won the backup job behind Kari Lehtonen.
— DefendingBigD (@DefendingBigD) September 29, 2014
On Monday, Rynnas was placed on waivers and it seems that Lindback has indeed won the backup position behind Lehtonen after all.
Rynnas didn’t seem as sharp in the preseason as he did in camp; he was too far back in his net at times and allowed three goals from distance in limited minutes against the Florida Panthers while Lindback was solid in a full game on Saturday against St. Louis.
If he clears waivers Rynnas will head to Cedar Park and will battle with Jack Campbell as the starter for the Texas Stars. If he is picked up by another team he is then required to be placed on their NHL roster; chances are Rynnas will be starting the season in the AHL, however.
If Lindback struggles as the backup to start the season, the Stars have a couple of solid options in Cedar Park — and Jack Campbell could be one of them.