MONTREAL - Saying that the Montreal Canadiens have no problems between the pipes would be a lie. Of course, Halak and Price are very good goalies, but there's nothing like having a good, older veteran goalie to act as a mentor and, at the same time, be able to take the net when needed.
There's no doubt that Carey Price is THE goaltender for the Habs. Yes he has been one of the key elements to bring the team to the playoffs and go through the first round against Boston. But, in the series vs Philadelphia, it was clear the kid ran out of gas. It is not criticism but rather an observation. And it was good for him.
Carey Price now knows that NHL playoffs is a full flight of stairs higher than the AHL. The intensity, emotion and speed skyrockets when you step into the NHL. But all that happened to him from the day Crisotbal Huet was traded up to the last game he played was all great experience.
Should the Canadiens look to sign a good 35-36 years old veteran to backup Price? Can we get such element in a trade involving Halak? Should we keep Halak? This is a happy problem but at the same time a mind wrecking problem.
Signing a free agent?
If (Bob) Gainey signs a free agent goalie, what do we do with Halak? There's no way Halak will accept to return to Hamilton. He will most likely ask to be traded or, worse case, go play in the European league.
Trade Halak?
What could the Canadiens get for Halak alone? Nothing much I think. So if this is the option Halak will have to be traded along with another prospect or a high draft pick or a combination of both.
Keep him?
This would be a dangerous option. Halak will be 23, and Price 21 when the 2008-2009 season will start. This would probably be the youngest goalie duo in the NHL.
Bottom line
One of the two current goalies have to leave. I will bet a twonie that Price is not going anywhere. So the only option for Bob Gainey is to trade Halak with another prospect and/or a high draft pick. Who could we get?
These are my choice (in no particular order):
Olaf Kolzig (Washington)Curtis Joseph (Calgary)Chris Osgood (Detroit)
DP
Comments (5) Add a comment »
from 9 days ago
halak already said he does not want to go to Europe, so I guess he will be a good deal for reconstructing teams.
what about Alex auld, from Boston? or Ty coklin ?
from 9 days ago
I think that Halak might stick around for a bit. But the Habs do need a veteran goalie presence. Like a Cujo or a Kolzig that can help the younger goalies along.
from 9 days ago
If you look at the big picture, and what happened to Carey Price in the last 18 months, you'll see he has not stopped since playing in the Junior Worlds and capturing the Calder Cup with Hamilton. This kid has an impressive history for a 20 year old.
He needs a well deserved break. And he should remain as the #1 goalie.
Who do have as backup ? I can't see a mid-30 something goalie watching this kid on the bench. Halak is the backup to have because he is young. He will get more ice time next year. He doesn't cost much to warm the bench. The "experienced" goalie backup and mentor is Rollie Melançon. You keep him.
from 7 days ago
I really don't see the problem with keeping both Price (obviously) and Halak. Halak did well last year in limited action, and many would argue that had he played in the last game against the Maple Leafs instead of Huet, the Canadiens may have been in the playoffs last year. At the very least, he is qualified to be a backup, and as you've said it yourself, you'll get 50 cents on the dollar in any trade involving Halak. The kid's a good goalie.
from 7 days ago
I agree with Matt. Habs need a veteran goalie. I bet Cujo wouldn't mind to be back up for Price. Sometimes a veteran goaltender can teach much more than a goalie coach.
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