Anyone following Hockey Free Agency?

[WLS ZMZM]

Okay.... not many postings if any about this so how about we get one started.... who's a hockey fan on here a) and b) what does everyone think of all the moves that have been made so far???

[S.F.W.]

I've been following the signings. I find it amusing that players are now on average making more than before the lockout. Also, to compensate for players not being able to earn as much up front, they are getting 7 and 8 year deals. Signing a 30+ year old player for 6+ years is nuts.

[WLS ZMZM]

yep i gots ta agree locking in a player for 7-8 yrs is ridiculous.... but seems to be fairly necessary....

[Caz]

You can always buy out a player if you don't want them anymore.

I think the deals have been pretty crazy so far lots of movement around the league. I hate these averaged pay deals.

[WhiteSpeed3]

but even if u do buy out some half the pay still go toward the cap but i think the leafs are trying to get ride of kubina and raycroft to bring someone else in, why else would they not have a press conferance for blake yet

[S.F.W.]

I heard they were desperately trying to move Raycroft at the draft, but nobody was itnerested. 2M a year is a lot for a backup goalie.

[WhiteSpeed3]

ya but there are some teams like pheonix that need a starter and raycroft might fit in there for a bit till they can get someone worth keeping around for a while

as for the long term contracts, thats the only way ur gonna get the top players now days to give them garrentied money for the rest of there lives but in the end isnt signing any player a risk any player can get hurt at any time and they are gonna still have to pay them

[jedd999]

Well, as a pretty big leafs fan, for the first time in 4 years I can say it looks like JFJ did something right for once. Signing a 40 goal scorer and allstar for 2 years running for around $4M / year is a great deal considering the contracts that Briere and Drury signed on for.

Its interesting to see how quickly the power has shifted in the east with the devils losing 2 of their top players in Gomez and that defenceman (forget who) and the Isles and Sabres losing a lot as well.

I think that if the Avs can pick up a goalie they will have a great shot at the cup since they have a good young core of players with a few great vets around as well - Hannan solidifies their defense and will be an asset at breaking out, and with Smyth and Sakic up front, they are going to be a force to contend with.

Hopefully the leafs will be able to make a move and possibly dump "Rayzor" and pick up a decent 2nd line defenceman, or a first or second line winger, and I think that they will be in ok shape for the upcomming season!

[milhouse]

I think Washington made a good move too by signing Nylander, he gives someone to play with Ovechkin...

[kid_icarus]

I think Washington made a good move too by signing Nylander, he gives someone to play with Ovechkin...

don't forget victor kozlov as well
would be an interesting european trio going at it.

how about that toskala deal huh..... looks like it's affirmative that raycroft is gonna be fighting for his spot.

i somehow wouldn't be suprised if he wins.

[milhouse]

don't forget victor kozlov as well
would be an interesting european trio going at it.

how about that toskala deal huh..... looks like it's affirmative that raycroft is gonna be fighting for his spot.

i somehow wouldn't be suprised if he wins.


That means Aubin is the odd man out....he'd be a good pick up for someone looking for a back-up

[ptwonline]

It will be interesting to see what happens with Raycroft now that the Leafs have a new goalie. Surely they can't justify paying a backup that much. I bet they'll have to package some draft picks with him to get someone to take him off their hands.

Oh, and I'm not convinced that Blake is the guy to play with Sundin either. Not that I care--I'm a Habs fan (dangerous in this city, that's for sure!)

It will also be interesting to see what happens in the future when star players have to re-sign. The Cap went waaaay up this year, but I doubt it will always climb by anything close to that much. And so some of the big dollars getting thrown at free agents now may haunt teams down the line when it comes time to re-sign some guys.

[WLS ZMZM]

. Not that I care--I'm a Habs fan (dangerous in this city, that's for sure!)

.

Hey a fellow habs fan... hafta agree with your comment there heheheh :chuckle Gainey has been pretty conservative but there is soo much young talent playing with the bulldogs.. that they really didnt need much. Signing Hamrlik & Smolinski was good... and unloading samsonov was phenomenal... hopefully Souray will realize that no one wants him that badly as he is still not signed... and will realize Montreal is where he belongs. Now that would be one hell of a defense... Souray, Hamrlik, Markov, Komisarek, Bouillon and Streit (then signed there two young guys in biron and rivers... and can even use Cullimore if they want to)
Plus with Huet, Halak and Price battling for spots.. I'm sorry to see Abbie go bye bye but oh well....

Well with the buds signing clemmensen as a backup its pretty much done that aubin and raycroft are now expendable I think Blake is a great player but not what the leafs needed... they need another good puck moving defenseman.. but at least JFJ did something..... Just shows how he acted too fast to sign Raycroft...

While there have been alot of moves.. I don't think the Flyers are going to be as good as everyone thinks.... while they now have a solid core.. I'm not sure if they will be able to mesh well together...

[Magitronic]

Being a leafs fan ... ill be honest. They are retarded. Blake is good, but worth that much money?? i`m not sure. He has had a great career sense the lockout thats for sure ... but i`ve never really thought Sundin was that good, and he seems to get buy on the excuse he has no one to play with .. well who does Alex Ovehiken have to play with??? and who did crosby have in his rookie year???? Kinda seems alot to ask of him to all of a sudden be any better then a average player (which is exactly sundin has been for the past 5years, average) ... but oh well, JFJ is stupid. Shoulda got Paul Koryia or sumthin instead of blake ... watch next he`ll go get Yashin!

[Caz]

Sundin is average? Back this up with some sats please.

[WLS ZMZM]

I hate the leafs... but you can't call Sundin average.... he has consistently been a good player... and if you really think about it he is right.. he has never really had anyone to play with... until Tucker suddenly began emerging... Sundin is just fed up of upper managements excuses... as to why they don't pull off blockbuster deals... the team has under achieved ever since 92-93.... and they have a different excuse each year..... i say nice... its been 40 years and continuing...

[asif9t9]

JFJ is so lost. He signed Raycroft last year as our goalie of the future......and now Rayzer is a backup. Instead of letting Toskala prove himself...JFJ just gives him an extension.

Last year, JFJ put all his eggs in the D. McCabe sucked. Kubina sucked. Kaberle is grea, but he can't be the only guy. Bottom line, everyone JFJ spends money on hasn't worked out.

And while we're at it.....what about Paul Maurice? Seems to me the team hasn't changed a bit since Pat Quinn left. Same guys on the team. Antropov and Pocahofsky (as Don Cherry would say). Still not playing Sundin more minutes. Not looking forward to this season at all. Go Raps!!

[WLS ZMZM]

well the leafs have stumbled into that issue again.... not really sure why the leafs didn't sign any big d-men... lots of great players were available... if JFJ had any sense he would have signed Souray (i'd hate to see #44 in a leafs jersey) but it would work well... and would have allowed him to dump mccabe... (he gots ta go) as for kubina... it seemed like a great idea seemed is the key word here.... as for the goaltending situation... I don't see the leafs holding on to Raycroft for too long.... especially with the signing of clemmensen.... as for having 2 potential #1 goalies... it may have worked in San Jose... but it didn't work in Montreal... with both Huet and Aebischer... it was tough to use one or the other as a backup, mind you neither of them were spectacular last year... JFJ needs to make a trade and get rid of Raycroft.. unfortunately again.. we aren't going to get what he is worth... still alot of good free agents out there who have yet to be signed... letting Perreault get away was just pure stupidity.. but then again ... it's reasons like that why I am a habs fan.... Feels like another early golfing season for the leafs this year

[asif9t9]

On one hand you refer to the Leafs as "we", yet you're a Habs fan. hmmm.....

Souray is as overrated as McCabe. Souray had the worst plus-minus in the league last year. Good thing Edmonton took him. Habs have their own McCabe problem by signing Markov to a huge deal. What were they thinking?

As for the Maple Laffs, it's obvious they are going to trade Raycroft, and not because two goalies doesn't work. It's obvious because they already gave Toskala and extension. And then they signed a backup in Clemmenson. So, Raycroft is out. Not sure that Toskala is better but when you aren't a playoff team, any change is worth trying.

BTW, everyone needs to know McCabe isn't going anywhere. No trade. No movement (ie. can't send to minors). Unless he gets injured, he's staying. Kubina could be sent to the minors, etc., but that's just crazy Leaf talk. He's not THAT bad. He wasn't as good as we'd hoped, but he was still a legit top-four defenceman. Hopefully he's got more this year.

[S.F.W.]

I agree with asift9t9. Moving McCabe is a nice thought, but you would have to get him to agree, and find a team willing to take on his contract. Raycroft will hopefully be moved, but it's not going to be easy.

[WLS ZMZM]

we.. as in... I live in this city.. and can't stand the buds... just understand how frustrating it must be to claim your last cup in '67..... As for Souray.... he may have had a poor plus/minus rating.. but was by far the best powerplay defenseman on the market.... as for Montreal getting stuck with the contract from Markov... the man is going to be a great puck moving defenseman... and he's proved that since breaking into the league he has continued to improve his game... having career highs last year...

as for the Raycroft issue... signing Clemmensen was as a back up plan.... instead they should have signed Aubin... (much better back up) Clemmensen has seen very little if any action... backing up Brodeur... Having two number one goalies doesn't work.... many teams have had this issue....
Buffalo Miller/Biron
Montreal Huet/Aebischer
Nashville Vokoun/Mason
Ottawa Emery/Gerber

While alot of these goalies lost their #1 spot for not performing... having two #1 goalies.. causes alot of trouble... It's just like the leafs to give up soo fast... while they may have missed the playoffs this year.... Raycroft tied for most wins as a leaf.... I blame Maurice for this... as he didnt have faith in Aubin... and didn't use him enough. While Raycroft did play quite lousy, losing games that they had no business losing.... You trade for him... sign him.. and now have him sitting on the wings.. thats just poor management

[Caz]

Having lots of good goalies is never a problem. At some point a team will need a goalie (injury or poor performance) and the Leafs will be the first team they call. The value of a goalie goes up when teams are in a situation where they need a proven replacement ASAP.

[ptwonline]

Having lots of good goalies is never a problem. At some point a team will need a goalie (injury or poor performance) and the Leafs will be the first team they call. The value of a goalie goes up when teams are in a situation where they need a proven replacement ASAP.

It is a problem if that goalie is expensive, or has a lot of years left on his contract.

Salary caps change everything.

[WLS ZMZM]

yep they sure do... it evens out the market a little more.... and makes it a more level playing field... unfortunately with that in mind teams have to make offers of long term contracts like 5-6 years in order to make the players happy.. so with the good comes the bad....

[WhiteSpeed3]

Having lots of good goalies is never a problem. At some point a team will need a goalie (injury or poor performance) and the Leafs will be the first team they call. The value of a goalie goes up when teams are in a situation where they need a proven replacement ASAP.

im sorry but if u think raycroft is the proven replacement teams might be looking for ur wrong. raycroft did tie the leafs record but he prob played at least 20 more games than belfour or joseph whoever has the record. as of right now i think of raycroft as a goalie that wont get u more than a bag of pucks

[ptwonline]

im sorry but if u think raycroft is the proven replacement teams might be looking for ur wrong. raycroft did tie the leafs record but he prob played at least 20 more games than belfour or joseph whoever has the record. as of right now i think of raycroft as a goalie that wont get u more than a bag of pucks

The wins record is also devalued somewhat because they now have shootouts, which means more wins and fewer ties (no ties, I guess).

[ParsM3GT]

I've been following the signings. I find it amusing that players are now on average making more than before the lockout. Also, to compensate for players not being able to earn as much up front, they are getting 7 and 8 year deals. Signing a 30+ year old player for 6+ years is nuts.

Agreed. With the salaries going up every year the NHL is right back where it started pre-lock out. Contracts are to long and the teams are giving out to much money and in a couple more years the owners will be bitching again that players are asking for to much money and they cant afford it so in turn they are losing money. The most retarded signing a few years ago was the Islanders signing goalie Rick Depietro (not sure on the spelling) for 15 years. Thats going to haunt them for years.

As for Philly they stocked up big time, but I think are going to struggle in the beginning or for the first year. You cant have to many superstars on one team it doesnt always work out.

As for the Leafs signing Blake was the best thing JFJ has done since hes been here. I think they should resign Peca for less just for his faceoff skills now that they lost Yanic. Get rid of rayzor. They might be able to get Kariya for a good price he might be worth it. And today I`m reading the paper that Roenick wants to come here, forget that the guy is a circus sideshow.

GO LEAFS GO

[asif9t9]

Correct, no one is going to call the Leafs for Raycroft. Especially if he's rotting on the end of the bench for us.....most likely a mediocre team.

It's interesting how these huge contracts (years and/or dollars) are changing things up. Look at the list of FA's still available. Some decent players. But teams have no more cap room. Top players make more money. Teams fill up rosters with low salary youngsters. The middle range of guys end up jobless.

Raycroft will be one of those guys. Paid more than he's worth.

[Caz]

im sorry but if u think raycroft is the proven replacement teams might be looking for ur wrong. raycroft did tie the leafs record but he prob played at least 20 more games than belfour or joseph whoever has the record. as of right now i think of raycroft as a goalie that wont get u more than a bag of pucks

Wow you have a short memory.

Anaheim was in the same boat as the leafs (in regards to goaltending only) at teh begining of last season. At the end of the 05-06 play-off where they weren't even playing Giguere and he was being written off in media as a possible cast off by Anaheiem for 2 sub par seasons. Then he leads the team to a cup. I am in no way saying Raycroft is going to lead the team to a cup because the team isn't a cup contender, but he has been a star at every level he has played at.

When he played in boston the team gave up on him, they gave Thronton away for as you put it a bag of pucks and then Raycroft took all the heat for teh team sucking, then he moves under the microscope that is the Toronto media and fans who think that it is his fault he didn't return the team to the playoff in his first season with an injury riddled team.

Raycroft's problem is since the leafs run in the early 90's their shitty play in their own end has been bailed out by fantastic goal tending. I admit he didn't come up with the big saves when he needed them.

If there was a market for Mikael Tellqvist who choked in his only real starting experience before the trade, there will be one for a goalie who was 12 games above .500% and a former rookie of the year.

[asif9t9]

Telqvist was making much money. And JS Giguere was a former Conn-Smythe winner.

[Caz]

Telqvist was making much money. And JS Giguere was a former Conn-Smythe winner.

Telqvist was over paid at league minimum he had a losing record and choked in his 2 biggest starts vs. Montreal.

JS - Conn Smythe, Raycroft - Calder, that was my point GM's don't forget the past, they know players can bounce back.

[WLS ZMZM]

I really don't think you can really use past trophies as a reason why they can bounce back.... let's not forget... Theodore won both the Vezina and the Hart trophy in 2002 with montreal... landed himself a big contract and forgot how to play in goal. I'm not saying that Rayzer is like that, but Giguere is known to be streaky.... when he's hot hes HOT when hes cold he's ice cold. Truthfully speaking... Raycroft got all the attention after winning the Calder, but after that really blew in Boston, yes there wasn't much of a team there... but really he is not a miracle worker... there are alot of great goalies who came into the league strong and exited quickly... another great example is that of Jim Carey.... came in for Washington... was killing it.. made the all rookie team in 95 and won the vezina in 96 and was traded to Boston and magically disappeared off the face of the earth...

While I think it's unfair the leafs gave up on him so quickly he wasn't the goalie to lead them to the playoffs and neither is Toskala, JFJ is looking for a quick fix and this isn't going to happen....

As for Tellqvist, calling him overpaid is just silly... the guy was never meant to be a starter, but when Belfour got hurt he filled in just fine... he may have lost some games.. but not when the buds were up 5-1.... *cough* unfortunately Raycroft can't say the same.... The leafs have had the same problem over and over and over, its called a bad blue line... fix that and the team can suddenly make the playoffs....

[Caz]

I agree with you for the most part but the Avs took a chance on Theodor, because he had 2 great years and won some throphies. Ottawa threw tons of money at Gerber because he had a great year. The list goes on and on. In the end he was 12 games above .500%. As far as the Buffalo game, can't Hang that all on the goalie, the whole team fell apart.

Again short memory, lets go back to the moment Tellqvist's career as a leaf was defined. Leafs in the play off run in at the end of the season where they are battling Montreal for the final spot, Eddie is injured and the team looks to their backup to win some big games. They have a home and home series with the Habs and Tellie can't even stop a beach ball, Leafs lose 5-2 and 6-1. He was dropped to number 3 on the depth chart and was traded. My point here is someone still wanted him after he provide he couldn't play in big games.

[asif9t9]

Yes, it's true someone took Telly. But that's easy since he hardly makes anything. Not the same for an overpaid Raycroft. He had a good Calder year. But since then, he lost his starting job to Tim Thomas. And now he's lost it in one year to Toskala. Other teams won't want him. That's why teams end up having to buy out players. No doubt the Leafs will try hard to trade Raycroft. Even for scraps. But if no one offers even a 5th round draft pick, they'll have to buy him out.

[WhiteSpeed3]

Wow you have a short memory.

Anaheim was in the same boat as the leafs (in regards to goaltending only) at teh begining of last season. At the end of the 05-06 play-off where they weren't even playing Giguere and he was being written off in media as a possible cast off by Anaheiem for 2 sub par seasons. Then he leads the team to a cup. I am in no way saying Raycroft is going to lead the team to a cup because the team isn't a cup contender, but he has been a star at every level he has played at.

When he played in boston the team gave up on him, they gave Thronton away for as you put it a bag of pucks and then Raycroft took all the heat for teh team sucking, then he moves under the microscope that is the Toronto media and fans who think that it is his fault he didn't return the team to the playoff in his first season with an injury riddled team.

Raycroft's problem is since the leafs run in the early 90's their shitty play in their own end has been bailed out by fantastic goal tending. I admit he didn't come up with the big saves when he needed them.

If there was a market for Mikael Tellqvist who choked in his only real starting experience before the trade, there will be one for a goalie who was 12 games above .500% and a former rookie of the year.

wow u got a memory short to

Gijuere got a better blue line put pronger and neidermayer on any team and the goalie will to a lot better

but raycroft on the other hand has some all-stars to mccabe, kaberle, and kubina so if u cant bring a team at least to the playoffs u got a problem. the leafs should just sign aki berg back as a back up goalie and he will do way better than raycroft

raycroft = a bag of pucks

[Caz]

Wow you guys are missing what I am saying. I am not a Raycroft fanboy, all I am saying is there will be a market for Raycroft, at some point a team will need a goalie with NHL experience. The leafs may end up eating some of his contract if/when they move him. It is always better to have depth in net, then to put all your eggs in one basket.

[WhiteSpeed3]

good point about depth but it is to much money against the cap but i personally think hes a one year wounder

[asif9t9]

You guys know how much Rayzer makes? $2.2M. Albeit, halfway through the year, you only have to pay him $1.1M. But that's still a LOT of money.

Think about it. If Rayzer sucks, he ends up in the press box. Why would a team pay big $$ for someone who sucks?

If Rayzer is good. Then what do we do? Get rid of Toskala? JFJ signed Toskala to an extension before he even played a game for us.

JFJ is so lost.

[1flycdnM3]

The Make-Me-Laughs only picked up Raycroft for the sole purpose of helping the team a little and having more of a playoff presence (which obviously wasnt needed). I am a huge Leafs Fan and went to a handful of games in a coroporate box last season (mention this because ALOT of those fans see every single game). Sundin has NEVER had a mediocre year and his stats more than prove that. Raycroft was a good "idea" at the time, much like Belfour, but Leafs didnt go anywhere. As for all this goalie movement, remember that we have a Team Canada champion goalie in the background as well (Justin Pogge) that will most likely be playing next season. Maurice was a HUGE reason the Leafs even had a shot last year with all the injuries, line changes and excellent team motivation, he was a crucial aspect of the team coming that close to the playoffs (you better believe it!)

There is no doubt that ANY Leafs fan has been more frustrated with Defenceman in quite a few years than anything else, but aside from McCabe's attitude and lack of respect for the team (IMO), nobody played THAT poorly. McCabe has NEVER played to his potential unless his contract is "on the line"... think about that one for a minute :)

... and that's my $0.02

[WhiteSpeed3]

as for justin pogge the leafs made yet another mistake by keeping him and getting rid of raskk. justin pogge is a TEAM CANADA champion witch we all know that that every team canada has a stacked blue line and pretty much all the players will make it to the NHL. raskk on the other hand plays for finland witch doesnt have the greatest defence, he also has playing experience at the professional level playing in the finland elite league

so i ask u how smart was the more to get rid of raskk and keep pogge

[WLS ZMZM]

As for the Avs.... they figured it was going to be a Patrick Roy situation all over again..... Habs goalie drowning and lets trade for him quickly...... unfortunately Theodore's career has gone down the toilet.... I agree with flyin canadian.... Maurice really is the reason the leafs have done as well as they have.... and why.... simple.. he's using the "kids" unlike Quinn who really used them sparsely.... Maurice is really letting em go.. and its not only allowing them to grow... but reach their true potential.

As for "Rayzer" he's worth more then a bag of pucks and we will see that come trade deadline or when a team loses a goalie.... as for the extension on Toskala, silly to throw more money at him before he plays... but Toskala has proven his worth over the last few years with San Jose....

Telly... is still a great goalie... unfortunately... the leafs always seemed to throw him into the fire constantly. and he got burned many times, but was a great backup.... as for the miracle man Pogge... the leafs are going to do to him what they did to Potvin... they gonna ride him hard and throw his career down the toilet... he's young and doesn't need the pressure.... but look at his stats from last year with the marlies... while the marlies weren't that great last year... their supserstar goalie didn't play well either.... if the leafs ride him hes gonna stink or die quickly.... sort of like the Pens with Fleury.. he came in as the "miracle" didn't play so hot but is coming into his own... Montreal has the same issue.... with Price.. he's the future... and he proved his worth leading the Bulldogs to the championship. But they can't throw him in too early... or they will kill his ego... as soon as a goalies ego is shot... its all over...

[WLS ZMZM]

As for the Avs.... they figured it was going to be a Patrick Roy situation all over again..... Habs goalie drowning and lets trade for him quickly...... unfortunately Theodore's career has gone down the toilet.... I agree with flyin canadian.... Maurice really is the reason the leafs have done as well as they have.... and why.... simple.. he's using the "kids" unlike Quinn who really used them sparsely.... Maurice is really letting em go.. and its not only allowing them to grow... but reach their true potential.

As for "Rayzer" he's worth more then a bag of pucks and we will see that come trade deadline or when a team loses a goalie.... as for the extension on Toskala, silly to throw more money at him before he plays... but Toskala has proven his worth over the last few years with San Jose....

Telly... is still a great goalie... unfortunately... the leafs always seemed to throw him into the fire constantly. and he got burned many times, but was a great backup.... as for the miracle man Pogge... the leafs are going to do to him what they did to Potvin... they gonna ride him hard and throw his career down the toilet... he's young and doesn't need the pressure.... but look at his stats from last year with the marlies... while the marlies weren't that great last year... their supserstar goalie didn't play well either.... if the leafs ride him hes gonna stink or die quickly.... sort of like the Pens with Fleury.. he came in as the "miracle" didn't play so hot but is coming into his own... Montreal has the same issue.... with Price.. he's the future... and he proved his worth leading the Bulldogs to the championship. But they can't throw him in too early... or they will kill his ego... as soon as a goalies ego is shot... its all over...
I'm not saying Pogge won't be good... he just isn't going to be the all star that the leafs think hes going to be

[Caz]

so i ask u how smart was the more to get rid of raskk and keep pogge

Only time will tell, We have 10-15 years to go until we know the answer.

[WLS ZMZM]

I think the leafs were still smarter for Keeping Pogge and getting rid of Raask, while you are correct that the canadian blue line is always bolstered... I don't really see Raask developing into much.... I see him like a Nittymaki... or a Irbe.... he has a similar playing style... he will make it to the nhl... just won't be a head turner.... and playing Boston.... won't help him either hehehehe

[asif9t9]

Something I heard about Pogge that was disturbing. He actually told the Leafs, or the media, that he wasn't ready for the NHL this year. He wanted more minor league seasoning. While I respect his honesty....it doesn't sound like the kind of tough mindset you'd expect from a hotshot young rook. You think Patrick Roy was worried in 1986?

[WLS ZMZM]

okay.. but now your not comparing apples to apples are you heheheheh

[asif9t9]

I don't know about you, but I was hoping, two years ago, that Pogge was the next great Canadian goalie....Roy, Brodeur, Luongo. Maybe he's the next one-year Calder-trophy wonder. heh

[WLS ZMZM]

I dunno I guess only time will tell.. as for the next great canadian goalie.... well its all about Carey Price... as long as Montreal doesn't push him, to play too soon... Pogge is being smart.... that extra year in the minors will help.. Toronto just needs to be patient...

[1flycdnM3]

^^ agreed!
No reason to push him into a tough spot where he may not play too often. Rather see him really develop his game with the Marlies before jumping into the NHL. No matter how good you are, the NHL is never easy the first year. Better to be prepared. My real concern is Jason Blake and the poor TML defence. I want to see an improvement for once (seems to be every 10 years) lol.

[WLS ZMZM]

exactly... don't rush the kid I mean in Montreal, they are going to go with Halak & Huet... and let Price develop further with Danis with the Bulldogs... asif9t9 you see Pogge saying he's not ready as a bad thing.. to me its an amazing thing!! It shows he's mature enough to realize he is not ready to step into the NHL and really wants to be prepared in order to play his best for the team... that should be commended not torn apart.... as for the Roy comment.. if you think about it.. there haven't been many goalies who came in and did incredible.... the last rookie goalie I can think of within the last few years.. was Patrick Lalime.... he came in for Pitsburgh... had his shutout streak.. then disappeared in their system to be picked up by ottawa and become another mediocre goalie.... believe me.. you don't want to turn Pogge into another Mathiew Garon... or Dan Cloutier!!

[asif9t9]

Hey I'm not knocking Pogge. I have high hopes for him. And no need to bring a good young goalie to a mediocre team. We're not winning anything this year. I was just surprised to hear his comments. We can read it with the glass half full or half empty. Or read nothing into it.

I remember hearing John Pohl say the same sort of thing last year. They asked how he saw himself fitting in the NHL. He said he didn't see himself as a star. Just a contributor on the 3rd or 4th line. Until that moment, I actually used to have high hopes for him. Speedy guy with some skill. I guess not.

What happened to Cloutier. That guy kept being given chances in Vancouver...and now he's just fallen off the map. He can't say he was given a chance, though.