Allen York

York was badly mistreated by the Blue Jackets last season, playing in just 27 games between three levels as he was bounced around the organization like a pinball as they scrambled to cover for injuries between the pipes. The result was, essentially, a lost year of development for a kid who really needed it. A full AHL season with no interruptions in 2012-2013 will give us a better idea of whether he's got any kind of NHL future, even as a backup. Neither goaltender with the Blue Jackets currently has a firm grasp on their roles, so Allen is still in the mix for the near future, although it likely won't be this year.

York took a step forward last year in his final college campaign, then made an immediate splash in the AHL with three wins and a shutout in four games. He's good good size and wingspan, and has shown some mental toughness, but he still needs to work on his lateral quickness and is likely a year or two away from being ready for regular NHL duty. If York keeps developing at his current pace though, the Blue Jackets will have little reason to keep being patient with Steve Mason.