While most are utilizing their Sundays as a day to kick back, relax and mentally prepare themselves for the week ahead, fantasy owners are struggling with the oldest mental game in the history of fantasy hockey – to start my goalie, or not to start my goalie. 

It's no secret that goalies, in most formats, hold major swing value – both for the good and for the bad. How often can you recall sitting in a tight matchup, only to be sewered by a significant negative day via your goaltender? It's common, and it's the worst. 

On the flip side, there is nothing more glorifying than your netminder shutting the door, posting a 30-save performance to propel you into the victory column. It's what we play for.

With that in mind, I thought I would bring forth a few prospect options for those looking for some depth between the pipes this week. As we have seen, this year is going to be a whirlwind and a few unsuspecting names are likely to see an increased number of starts.

Please proceed with caution, as all of these options are subject to be exposed and allow an unsettling number of goals. However, should all see games over the next few days, weeks, or even months. 

Jonas Johansson, Sabres

There are a couple of contributing factors that point towards Johansson being a decent pick-up. Most immediately, Carter Hutton is currently listed as day-to-day, due to a lingering upper-body issue and has removed himself from the team’s current road trip. For the short term, this allows the 25-year-old Johansson to jump in and likely see some action as the starter in the near future. He had hopped in relief during the game that saw Hutton fall to injury, stopping eight-of-eight shots faced, and looked comfortable in doing so. 

In the longer term, there have been rumblings that the secondary piece to the club's duo, Linus Ullmark, has hinted at the possibility of leaving the team for an unknown period of time (personal reasons). If this comes to fruition, you can expect the Swede to assume regular duties as the club's backup and become a prominent member of the goalie tandem in Buffalo.

He was a solid performer in his first semi-regular season at the AHL level last year, posting a 14-4-5 record for the Rochester Americans. The upside is there.

Cal Petersen, Kings

The Kings are in a tough division, and the potential for goals against may be enough to keep you away. However, if you are in desperate need of a goaltender, prospect Petersen may be a solid option to help out in a pinch. 

The now 26-year-old has been held with high regard for some years now, and fantasy owners have been patiently awaiting the moment that he finally adopts starting duties. I will assure you, this season is not that year. Yet, as a clear member of the tandem, he will get starts. 

He has started in one game this season, allowing three goals on 24 shots versus a high-flying Colorado Avalanche squad. Pretty good, considering.

Kaapo Kahkonen, Wild

With news of tenured starter Devan Dubnyk leaving town, the writing was on the wall for Kahkonen to take that next step within the organization. Of course, the Wild had other plans as they signed grizzled veteran Cam Talbot. Given the schedule, you can’t fault them for locking up another piece to the goalie puzzle. Although very solid, Alex Stalock remains somewhat unproven as a starter, and Kahkonen, despite being last year's AHL goaltender of the year, is still obviously green. 

Unfortunately, Stalock has endured some injury troubles and has yet to draw into the lineup. His return date remains unknown, and in that time, Kahkonen is a fantastic option for fantasy owners. He has already registered his first win of the season, stopping 22 of 24 shots for the fourth victory of his young career.

* Lasst minute update as I write this*

Cam Talbot left their game on Friday evening after suffering what looked to be an awkward leg injury. He registered 17 saves for his second win of the young season (fifth of his career). Perhaps starting duties are in the immediate future.

Jake Oettinger, Stars

Oettinger's stock rose dramatically this fall when it was announced that the Stars' starting goaltender Ben Bishop would miss significant time during the 2020-21 season. This instantly assures that the rookie, who made his NHL debut during the playoffs, will receive a good chunk of action this season. This, making him fantasy relevant for the first time in his career.

With just one pro season under his belt, his sample size is rather small. Yet, despite his overall losing record (15-16-3) with the Texas Stars last season, his numbers were fairly respectable with a .917 save percentage. The potential is there, that is undeniable. It's more a matter of whether that potential can be realized this year. With so much uncertainty, add with caution. 

Ville Husso, Blues

To make your NHL debut in the third period of an out-of-hand match against a red hot Colorado Avalanche team is less than ideal. Yet, that is the unfortunate reality Husso had to face. It did not go well. Through just 20 minutes of deployment, the 25-year-old Finn allowed four goals on 18 shots, bringing his overall NHL goals-against average to a whopping 12.15. 

Take that hit with a grain of salt. 

As mentioned, the Avalanche were scorching, having scored four on Jordan Binnington previously in the game. Overall, he still has the makings of a decent backup option and with a strong team in front of him, has a chance to steal some wins for you going forward. If you are desperate for options, his stock just took a nice dip, leaving him a perfect option to buy low. 

Vitek Vanecek, Capitals

After five years suiting up within the Capitals organization, Vanecek has been gifted a starting role, thanks to Ilya Samsonov being out of the lineup for the next week. So far, the 25-year-old has been strong, posting a 2-0-1 record this season. 

He sports a cool 71-34-22 record during his time with the Hersey Bears (AHL), so the performance has certainly been there. With a strong team in front of him, Vanacek seems like a safe gamble to throw your chips at this season.

Thanks for reading. As always, find on Twitter @hall1289.

Good luck with your waiver pickups. See you next week.