NHL Starting Goalies for 2006-2007??

Post by **Minstrel** » Sat May 13, 2006 7:36 pm

I was think about this yesterday, after such high-profile goalie changes late in the season and even during the playoffs where does everyone end up next year??

Does San Jose keep Nabokov at 3+ mil a year in this Cap era if they know he'll just be there as backup for Toskala? I don't know if they can afford to do so... not to mention they had 2000 draft pick Nolan Schaefer come in when they were dealing with a rash of injuries early on and he looked great winning quite a few games for them.

Does Carolina deal Gerber and start the year with Ward while picking up a cheap veteran backup for both helping the young guy steer his way through his first Starter's season in the NHL?

Anaheim surely needs to look into dealing Giguere now, don't they?

Will Buffalo finally deal Martin Biron given how fantastic Miller has been in the playoffs?

On the other side of the series' ice, you can't possibly say that Ray Emery is The Guy for next year and how can you risk again putting all your eggs in the fragile basket that is Dom Hasek, a year older and another crucial stretch of time missed to injury??

Speaking of old and injury prone but with enough of a reputation to get some fool team to overpay them Ed Belfour awaits the call of his next victim General Manager.

What do you do in Dallas about Turco?? If you can't rely on a guy when you need him for big games what's the point?

In Philly do you deal Esche hoping next year Nitty can put together a strong year?

Assuming Sean Burke hangs 'em up can you actually sell your fans (and your organization) on going into another season relying on John Grahame as your #1 guy?!?!

What is the deal with Vokoun's blood condition? Can he ever play net again? Can you go into a season hoping to make it back to the playoffs with Chris Mason as The Guy if Vokoun can't return?

Looking around you see that so many teams are looking for someone who can be a number one. If you believe in Cristobal Huet (and why wouldn't you?) do you say it makes more sense to get a veteran backup on the cheap and deal Aebescher? Do you decide the he has a higher value in a trade as a Potential #1 Guy than as your insurance plan? Given that they didn't play him you can still try to market him as "the next guy who will be awesome if given a real shot". That could be worth quite a bit.

Given what is bound to be a deafening roar from the fans to make changes in Colorado... Do you tell them that the guy who was too inconsistent to guide you through the playoffs can this year do it for 82 games and succeed in the next playoffs with Theodore?

Does Boston really believe that Tim Thomas is The Answer? If so, do they deal Raycroft?

Will Florida deal Luongo even though they continue to claim they won't? Will every indication continue to point to that they will?

Is M-A Fleury ready for full time duties with Pittsburgh or do they feel the need to again try and sign a veteran, like maybe a Martin Biron of Buffalo?

Is it going to be Auld or a returning from surgery Cloutier in Vancouver where the winds of change are bound to be stiff?

Can the young Coyotes try to get another full year out of the another year older Cujo who didn't appear to be able the hande the full load last year without fading down the stretch?

Can you sell "Hockeytown" on Legace still being The Man after going out in the first round to Edmonton in his first Big Test?

I don't think I can ever remember there being a time when so many goaltending positions were this uncertain. I think there are far more questions than answers in general, and it will be really interesting to see what actually happens. It will and also be interesting to see how the success of so many young and/or unproven netminders this year affects teams' planning for who they give a shot too and even if they maybe look to draft a possible solution.

Post by **Alessandro** » Sun May 14, 2006 12:13 am

I think Theo played fairly well in the playoffs

Post by **E5150_ca** » Sun May 14, 2006 12:52 am

I've always been a strong beiliver in having 2 averages goalies as opposed to one star and one nobody back-up. I don't think Philly, Buffalo, Anaheim, Montreal and the 4 or 5 other teams in similar situations have anything to worry about.

Don Johnson · Post by **Don Johnson** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 5:03 am

Nabokov to Tampa Bay. You heard it here first.

noctambulist · Post by **noctambulist** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 12:58 pm

I think the Bruins will let Raycroft go. Tim Thomas may not be the long term answer but Toivenen is and Thomas is cheaper.

And as we all know, Finnish goaltenders are the new black in the NHL.

Systemfel · Post by **Systemfel** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 2:18 pm

Does San Jose keep Nabokov at 3+ mil a year in this Cap era if they know he'll just be there as backup for Toskala? I don't know if they can afford to do so... not to mention they had 2000 draft pick Nolan Schaefer come in when they were dealing with a rash of injuries early on and he looked great winning quite a few games for them.

3+ mil? I thought they signed him for like 5.

Does Carolina deal Gerber and start the year with Ward while picking up a cheap veteran backup for both helping the young guy steer his way through his first Starter's season in the NHL?

Gerber's a UFA, so...

What is the deal with Vokoun's blood condition? Can he ever play net again? Can you go into a season hoping to make it back to the playoffs with Chris Mason as The Guy if Vokoun can't return?

You don't think they'll get someone else as their #1 if Vokoun can't play?

Does Boston really believe that Tim Thomas is The Answer? If so, do they deal Raycroft?

They also have Toivonen?

Is M-A Fleury ready for full time duties with Pittsburgh or do they feel the need to again try and sign a veteran, like maybe a Martin Biron of Buffalo?

They'd have to trade for Biron unless they sign him to an offer sheet.

Can you sell "Hockeytown" on Legace still being The Man after going out in the first round to Edmonton in his first Big Test?

The Wings are gonna let him go.

Post by **Shadd666** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 3:49 pm

I think that all those interrogations about the goalies are due to the new rules... There's more offense now,and some keepers seem to need a longer adaptation period than others...
Hopefully,there's still great goalies who stay strong no matter what the rules are. Just think about some Kiprusoff,Brodeur,and so on...
I'm curious about what Henrik Lundquist will do next year with the Rangers... He did well this year for his rookie year,and even if the Rangers were swept in the first round, Lundquist leads team Sweden to the Olympic gold medal,what tend to prove that he's able to handle the pressure. And he showed a great talent all over the season. For sure,he's one of the next Great Ones! What do you think about him guys?

Post by **Minstrel** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 6:52 pm

I've been an EHM-based Lundqvist fan since 2004 was in testing

But I'm an even bigger fan of his Real Life results with the Rangers this year. I think his talent and demeanor will take him far. The NHL plays so many more games especially as the playoffs wear on that I think part of his stuggles were probably just fatigue. I don't doubt he'll be their #1 for many a year.

I still think that Nabokov and Biron will be dealt in favor of Toskala and Miller. I wouldn't be surpised to see one end up with Tampa and one with Ottawa.

Boston has to make up their mind and I still find the Thomas contract offer oddly timed and over-promising they continue to deal with Raycroft as if he has one foot out the door already.

Obviously Dallas needs to stand by Turco and hope for the best as I can't see any way you could get anything resembling value for him and in such a deal you'd certainly cross off any in-conference deals so you are instantly halving your potential suitors. Keep payin that big paycheck and hope he plays like he should, not like he has. That's a ditto for Khabibulin here in Chicago as nobody will take on that salary I'd guess without giving up even more than just not having Khabibulin in goal for the upcoming season. Any moves to then cover the position then would also cost the team more as they have nobody NHL ready to replace him.

A lot of these questions though will ride upon whether some other team is willing to give them a chance to start and if they're willing to stay at the team knowing they'll be the backup. Goalies in this situation I'd guess will be Legace and Graham who both have to be deemed as failed in their first starter's role. It's possible Esche could find himself in that boat as well...

The Yotes have already given Joseph an extension for next year but you wonder if they'll be counting on him to carry the full load or have more of a tandem to keep him fresh down the stretch where he faded this year.

With so many questions league-wide were I to be Montreal I would certainly see if someone wants to take a chance on Aebeisher being their #1 and helping your team in an area it could use improving as I firmly believe Huet has proven he is here to stay.

And I still feel that Florida will deal Luongo and will continue to tell everyone who asks that they aren't even considering it; then one day it will be done. They may see if the team can start next season as strongly as they finished first but pressure will build if they are faltering by the deadline.

Post by **Shadd666** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 9:40 pm

Minstrel wrote:Huet has proven he is here to stay.

I hope so!!! He's the only french player of the NHL since Bozon,who played 3 years with the Blues during the 90's as a 3rd liner center...

Weirdness · Post by **Weirdness** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:50 pm

Also gotta wonder about Edmonton. Sure, Roloson was a key part to their playoff run, but the guy's 36 and might be looking for a multi-year deal. Do you risk signing him again, especially after such a brutal injury? How long will it even take for him to recover? I think they'll let him go and try the free agent market.

Maarkanen could be an option, as he did elevate his game in the finals, but his mediocre play before that leaves me wondering if he has what it takes to be a #1 goalie. Then again, Roloson was less than mediocre before joining the Oil, and look what he did.

I might be wrong on this one, but isnt Marc Denis of the Blue Jackets a UFA as well? I just remember one of my Oiler buddies claiming that they'll pick him up after the season's done (which was before Roloson started to actually play well). But hey, who knows.

The only thing I know for sure is that Kipper will be in net for the Flames. I'd like to see a more competant back-up, if only to limit Kipper to around 60 games. I think playing 74 games in a season is outrageous and is what I believe one of the reasons why the Flames had a dismal first-round exit (yeah, the lack of scoring never helped either

).

EDIT: Oh, and just to veer back onto topic:

Is it going to be Auld or a returning from surgery Cloutier in Vancouver where the winds of change are bound to be stiff?

I think Nonis will stay with Auld and Noronen as backup, dumping Cloutier. Sure, the guy has had a lot of 30-win seasons, but he's also a playoff choker and quite injury prone. I'm no nucks fan, but Auld has impressed me, and i think he's only going to get better.

Weirdness · Post by **Weirdness** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 3:04 am

Well it looks like one of the mysteries is solved, as Luongo seems to be headed to Van. Only Bertuzzi has been mentioned in return but there is some speculation (from other forums) that Cloutier and Morrison have been included in the deal.

Post by **inSTAALed** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 4:07 am

Auld was the goalie in the trade, not Cloutier.

Just thought I would point that out to anyone who hasn't heard

Weirdness · Post by **Weirdness** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 4:20 am

Ah right, I was just posting speculation that I read off of other boards. The deal wasnt finalizzed when that post was made =P

thecoolstuff · Post by **thecoolstuff** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 8:12 am

Although they are not included in the trade Cloutier is more than likely to be traded, and we shouldnt be suprised if Mo got the boot also, as he comes off with a very disappointing season.

Post by **Minstrel** » Sun Jun 25, 2006 4:33 am

I think Cloutier needs to come back and prove himself healthy at least before a team would give up anything for him. With Auld moving in the deal I think they'll go into the year with Luongo and Cloutier with an eye to deal Cloutier due to his salary.

Interestingly the 'Who is "The Man" in Boston?' question just gets murkier and murkier. Yes, they dealt Raycroft to Toronto today, but they dealt him for Tuuka Rask so it makes the issue even more unclear in Boston I think... Thomas? Toivenen? Rask? Who the hell knows?

Weirdness · Post by **Weirdness** » Sun Jun 25, 2006 5:14 am

That is an interesting question. After a great performance Thomas signed a big contract and, IIRC, struggled somewhat afterwards. Reminds me back when Roman Turek had an amazing start with the Flames one season then absolutely collapsed after signing a new deal for more money.

I still think Rask is a year or three away from the big leagues. Yes, he had a stellar performance in the WJC, but the kid's only 19 and I think starting him this early is a mistake.

Post by **E5150_ca** » Sun Jun 25, 2006 8:02 am

Rask is nowhere NEAR NHL starting goalie status, heck, I wouldn't even trust him with 65 games in the AHL. Not to say that one day he can't pan out to be a competent NHL starter.

Post by **Minstrel** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 12:25 am

I'm telling you watching this goaltending Free Agent Carousel going spinning about acan sure make ya dizzy!!

So, how about a running-update on the league's pipe guardians? Players moved are in strikethrough; players in bold have been resigned to the team, players in italics are new to the team via trade and/or FA with previous team name or team traded to in parens to keep track of the movements. If you want to post updates I'll add them in here; but make an comments in a separate post as I may delete the news updates posts to keep the thread as easy to follow as possible.

CENTRAL:

Chicago: Khabibulin, Lalime (STL as FA)

Columbus: Denis (TB), Leclaire
Detroit: Osgood, Legace (FA)
Nashville: Vokoun(?); Mason
St. Louis: Lalime (CHI as FA), Sanford, Bacashihua

NORTHWEST:

Calgary: Kipprusoff, Boucher (PHO)
Colorado: Theodore (MON), Aebischer (MON), Budaj, Kolesnik
Edmonton: Dwayne Roloson (MIN), Markkanen, Conklin
Minnesota: Dwayne Roloson (EDM), Manny Fernandez
Vancouver Luongo (FLA), Auld (FLA), Cloutier, Noronen (BUF)

PACIFIC:

Anaheim:
Dallas: Turco, Hedberg, Smith
Los Angeles: Garon, LaBarbera
Phoenix: Joseph, Boucher (CGY), Sauve (CGY), Mike Morrison (FA)
San Jose: Toskala, Nabokov

ATLANTIC:

New Jersey: Broduer
NY Islanders: DiPietro, Snow
NY Rangers: Lundqvist, Weekes
Philadelphia: Esche, Niitymaki
Pittsburgh: M-A Fleury, Caron, Thibault

NORTHEAST:

Boston: Raycroft (TOR), Thomas, Toivenen, Rask (TOR)
Buffalo: Miller, Biron (FA), Noronen (VAN)
Montreal: Theodore (COL), Huet, Aebischer (MON)
Ottawa: Hasek (Current FA), Gerber (CAR as FA), Emery
Toronto: Belfour (FA), Raycroft (TOR), Aubin

SOUTHEAST:

Atlanta: Lehtonen, Dunham (FA)
Carolina: Gerber (OTT as FA), Ward, Grahame (TB as FA)
Florida: Luongo (FLA), Auld (VAN), Belfour (TOR as FA)
Tampa Bay: Grahame (TB as FA), Denis (CMB), Burke
Washington: Kolzig, Johnson

Post by **Minstrel** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 12:42 am

An update to the list today; and all I can say is poor poor Alex Auld. He goes from being Vancouver's #1 for months then goes to Florida to apparently continue his development and then

Good ole Mike Keenan signs Ed effing Belfour

As I said earlier on in the thread, who will be Ed Belfour's next victim? The answer is good ole crazy assed Keenan. And you know he wasn't brough in as the "veteran backup/mentor" he's The Guy as that is the only role he will accept. Sucks to be Auld or a Florida fan right now I can tell you that much...

Also, an update on Tomas Vokoun who appears to be ready to return next year as the blood clots formed around hhis pelvis that shut him down and put his life and career in jeopardy last year are thought to be from a childhood injury rather than a recent development:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=172246&hubname=nhl

flea · Post by **flea** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 2:25 am

E5150_ca wrote:Rask is nowhere NEAR NHL starting goalie status, heck, I wouldn't even trust him with 65 games in the AHL. Not to say that one day he can't pan out to be a competent NHL starter.

Well, Iam certainly not the best to tell u, but I have heard only good things about Tukka and lots of scouting agencies and newspaper say that he will be a NHL for sure.....in some years. Not in one, two or three years, but who knows??

I wasnt happy to see Rayzor go away from Boston because I think he will come back bigtime, but we really got a good return for him in Rask. Think it was a good trade for us.....and also for Toronto if Rayzor plays well.

Belfour to Florida.......does Keenan think Eddy can make the fans foget about Luongo???

Post by **Minstrel** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 10:00 pm

Everything old is new again!!

The Dead Things are back to a tandem of He'llsuck and Osbad.

thecoolstuff · Post by **thecoolstuff** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 10:24 pm

what about the good old dominator? Back to the Red Wings. You gotta admit if he's healthy that's gonna spell nightmare for the western conference!

Systemfel · Post by **Systemfel** » Thu Aug 03, 2006 12:53 am

Minstrel wrote:Everything old is new again!! The Dead Things are back to a tandem of He'llsuck and Osbad.

Maybe they just want to give the Hawks a fair chance of actually beating them for once.

Post by **E5150_ca** » Thu Aug 03, 2006 2:08 am

Systemfel wrote:
Minstrel wrote:Everything old is new again!! The Dead Things are back to a tandem of He'llsuck and Osbad.
Maybe they just want to give the Hawks a fair chance of actually beating them for once.

*insert long ooooooooooooooooooh noise here*

Baten down the hatches! We might see a banning!

Post by **Minstrel** » Thu Aug 03, 2006 2:52 am

E5150_ca wrote:
Systemfel wrote:
Minstrel wrote:Everything old is new again!! The Dead Things are back to a tandem of He'llsuck and Osbad.
Maybe they just want to give the Hawks a fair chance of actually beating them for once.
*insert long ooooooooooooooooooh noise here*

Baten down the hatches! We might see a banning!

Dude... he's a Red Wings fan... that's punishment enough.

Also I did mention "The Dominator"; H'ellsuck = Hasek. I truly feel he is the most overrated hockey player ever. On top of that he's now an attitude problem and a serious injury concern.

NHL Starting Goalies for 2006-2007??

NHL Starting Goalies for 2006-2007??

Re: NHL Starting Goalies for 2006-2007??