Jaroslav Halak Traded to St. Louis Blues

While picking between Cary Price and Jaroslav Halak would seem like an easy decision after the team’s Cinderella playoff run, the Canadiens pulled a surprise by trading Halak to the St. Louis Blues for two young players.

Halak was an important part of the Canadiens’ defense when it came to beating the two East Conference giants of the playoffs, Washington and Pittsburgh.  He did not have a good series against the Flyers and was part of the weakness that cost the Habs their chance at the Cup.  However, he seemed to be a big part of developing a team capable of repeated playoff runs in the future.  

Even though Halak is only two years older than Price, it seems as though that may be one of the many reasons Halak was sent packing.  Price also has more games on the ice from last season than Halak, with a year’s less experience.

Halak is a free agent on July 1st, and has not signed any deals with the Blues yet, but they are sure to come in the next few weeks.  His agent, Allan Walsh, has stated that the Montreal Canadiens never contacted them to talk about a deal after the season ended.

Blues' President John Davidson’s statement about the trade is encouraging for both Blues and Halak fans alike. "Jaroslav's play in this year's regular season and Stanley Cup playoffs was remarkable.  He has had very impressive numbers in the NHL and we are thrilled that he will be wearing the Bluenote for us."

With Halak in the net, it looks as though the Blues are getting geared up to make a Cup run next year, or at least just a run at the playoffs.  The Canadiens received Lars Eller (center) and Ian Schultz (winger) in the trade, but even with the two talented young players gone from their team, the Blues may have just made the best trade we’ll see this offseason.