Does Khabibulin's health change things?
SUNRISE, Fla. - The question Hawks GM Dale Tallon and his people have to be asking themselves with the March 4 trade deadline now less than two weeks away is this: Can Nikolai Khabibulin stay healthy the rest of the season and into the playoffs?
Khabibulin presently is sidelined for the second time this season with a leg/groin injury and there is no timetable for his return.
Maybe this latest injury has the Hawks thinking hard again about trading Khabibulin before the deadline and going with Cristobal Huet, especially with Khabibulin set to walk in July as a free agent.
While the Hawks are better with Khabibulin in net, what good is he if he's not on the ice?
Who needs a goalie? Philadelphia, for one. The Flyers are talking with Atlanta about Kari Lehtonen, but wouldn't they rather have the playoff-tested Khabibulin?
Washington is looking for a goalie. So is Detroit, but the Hawks couldn't do that. Could they?
Does Anaheim need a goalie? Just asking. The Ducks need some jolt.
Are the Canadiens happy with Carey Price?
It's going to be an interesting two weeks.
I still say Huet is far worse the Khabibulin. If only we could sign Habby for two more years and then ween one of the Rockford goalies in as permanent replacement. Huet is way to shaky on the penalty kill and he seems to have a "off" or bad game every 3-4 games. Bad goal yesterday on Minnesota's winning goal.
but he's also gone down twice already this season and in any case won't be around after this season.
huet has played better as the season has gone on, and narrowed the gap between him & khabi - one of the reasons for that imo, is he is getting familiar with the Dmen in front of him (and they are getting used to his tendencies).
foley mentioned a stat the other day on huet which i thought was quite revealing - he's given up 2 or fewer goals in 21 of his 31 starts - yea, part of that is defense, but part of it is him too
in fact, if you break that down month by month you get the following,
oct 1-1-0 averaged 28.5 shots against in those 2 games, with a .930 save percentage
nov 1-2-0 averaged 20 shots against in those 3 games, with a .932 save percentage
dec. 6-0-0 averaged 26.3 shots against in those 6 games, with a .962 save percentage
jan 3-1-0 averaged 25.5 shots against in those 4 games, with a .961 save percentage
feb 4-2-0 including last night's loss, averaged 25 shots against in those 6 games, with a save percentage of .953
overall, huet is 15-6-0 in the 21 games he's allowed 2 or fewer goals, facing an average of 25 shots in those 21 games, with a save percentage of .952 - those are pretty good numbers.
2 of the 6 losses were to st. louis, where the hawks were shutout both times, as well as SO losses to Nashville & San Jose, with Anaheim & Minny being regulation losses.
the only teams he has not fared well against are detroit, LA & SJ, going 0-5-1 and giving up 26 goals in those 6 games, facing 26.3 shots/game in those 4 with a save percentage of .835
i agree habby is better then huet, but for a goalie who is only playing part time hes been hurt twice already this year. hes 37 and you want that for another 2 years? i dont.
It may be time to dangle this man as trade bait. Hopefully, somebody will see the POSSIBLE potential and bite on this man. However, with another LARGE contract it may be tough. Does every Hawk who shows potential in his first year get 3 million or more from Tallon? Seriously?
I know it's his first FULL year as a forward, but he is beyond maddening to watch. One game he flies around hitting people, and then he disappears for two games. If he isn't going to HIT and GO IN FRONT OF THE NET then what the hell good is he? He plays soft, and I truly think the only way he's going to score is going to be an open net. Does anyone know if he still has a two way contract? If so, send his ass to Rockford. He's a waste of a roster spot right now.
Besides my hatred for Buff, you can't really rip this team too much. They dominated Minnesota only to be stoned over and over and over again against a no name goalie. The second goal by Huet was a bad goal, but he has been limiting those recently. The Hawks had plenty of chances and why we STILL DO NOT have a man in front of the goal on the power play, I'll never understand. Minnesota had a beast parked in front of Huet all night long, yet we have two guys on each respective half board and somebody in the slot. No wonder they didnt' score. Not that tough, when you can see every shot.
Again, it's time to find a faceoff man. This has to be done. Besides the last win with 10 seconds left, the Hawks lost NUMEROUS crucial faceoffs deep in Minnesota's zone all third period. There isn't a lot to worry about when you ice it, knowing you are going to win the next draw. Tallon, needs to get a faceoff man.
i didnt want to trade buff, but its becoming obvious coach q cant get him to do anything beneficial for the club,hit,fight,screen goalie,score,handle the puck,ect. ive given up on him for this year,if they dont trade him maybe hell put it together next year but i dont expect it this year. huge disappointment after what we got teased with last year.
to amend my last comment buff is good down in the corners and along the boards,stickhandling w/the puck,he can be dominating.
then he blows it.
I couldn't agree with you more regarding Buf. You just can't count on him. If he had 1/2 the heart/desire that Burish has.. he would be a force. He has had enough chances... time to move on.
Observation on the 5 on 3 last night. I do not understand why we don't try to crash the net in 5 on 3 situations. All I see is tic-tac-toe. When that doesnt work.. turn it into 4 on 3 in the crease a few times. My humble opinion is all.
Tough to knock what they are doing (although I just did). Can't complain too much. They are doing great and it has been a blast to watch. My wife is even gung-ho.
someone mentioned there has been a rumor about dubinsky that has taken flight in the last 24 hours... do you have a link for that?
I suspect McPheee desires to keep plugging in new talent into the Caps NHL lineup. I also see where he has different scenarios to consider...which I'll explain
Fleishman is a talented player who can post even better numbers, although not huge since he is not on a top line. His linematte, Fehr, gets his stick and body in the way, knows the team's system and plays it well. He is a large- size player and has been scoring regularly the past two weeks. Some young defensemen have stepped in, like Schultz. Is Alzner next? McPhee really wants to hold on to as many young guys that he can, so just whom does Tallon ask for? So what really is he going to offer, Laich? Nice player, but not someone who helps us much. Please don't say, C Bourque (Raymond Bourques's son).
So while McPhee has some cards to deal, unless he gets a goaltender he is comfortable with, I don't think he is a sure bet to pick up a goalie at the deadline.
What would McPhee pay for a goalie who keeps having nagging injuries this year -- that would be Khabby. Nonetheless, McPhee might still deal knowing Khabby could be a difference maker..sure..I can agree this scenario is real, but so, too, it is real concerning Khabby's injuries on how it impacts .....because McPhee will set a price on what he would pay. Forget for a moment should he surrender a top prospect or even a very high entry draft choice. Does he want Khabby next year? He will try to bring along those young goalies! You say, nonsense, McPhee is going for it now. More thoughts on that ...
I also wonder how McPhee feels about Nylander. Keep him if he gets a veteran goalie, so then he keeps all his assets in a run for the Cup? Or trade Nylander in any trade where he looses more salary than he receives back. Is McPhee going to be more interested in Khabby if he is able to move Nyalnder? That would mean he might try to dump Theodore next year in favor of Khabby/Johnson. And release either Johnson or Khabby if one of those youngsters comes on strong. Decisions, decisions, decisons...not easy, eh? But now let's just say he wants Khabby; what do we want from Washington?
I don't know. I'm not thrilled about Erskine, who has been on the outs at times this year (sat out). Erskine is a large size physical defenseman but how much better would he be than Walker? Again, what would we expect to receive from McPhee's Cap's?
you have to target a player you like (in my case its alzner), or as a minimum, a 1st round pick to make it worth moving khabi. if you can't get at least that much for him, you may as well hang on to him for the playoffs, imo (no way do i take nylander & his contract back!! and i'm not sold on erskine either).
if i'm Tallon, I know that khabi (assuming he is healthy), would be the most highly sought after goalie out there because he's been having a great year, has won a cup before (finalist for the conn smythe) and there is no contract commitment after this year. i can further leverage the fact that philly may also be looking at him in any possible negotiations with washington.
from washington's perspective, that team is obviously a legitimate contender to make it out of the east, even with a shaky theodore in net. i think they lack veteran depth & experience on defence and of course goaltending remains a big question.
if you are mcphee, do you make a move now to improve the current roster & its chances to make & win the finals (and give up a young asset that would have helped down the road) or do you stand pat and let the chips fall where they may?
he went after a UFA goalie last deadline despite having a veteran one (who previously made the finals) and huet went on a tear and helped them make the playoffs & came within a game of beating conference finalist philly.
for that reason, imo, he is likely to make some more perhaps bold moves to further energize his young team and give them the best possible shot in the playoffs, especially when important veteran guys like federov and brashear may not be back next year. washington imo has a much better shot at making the finals than the hawks do.
he may decide to go after a guy like pronger to strengthen the D and stick with theo, but i think he has to be looking at a goalie - and khabi would be the prime candidate if he's available - after all, goaltending is still the most important position on a team and khabi could make the difference in washington this year (whereas i doubt he would in chicago). with green and a couple more young guys like schultz & alzner, i think he just may be willing to give up on alzner to get khabi, tho i'd also take a 1st round pick. (schultz is a monster who they would want to hang on to, imo).
it would be a tough call for sure, and there never are any guarantees that it would work for either side, but khabi must certainly be tempting for mcphee. perhaps he could make a conditional deal depending on whether he re-signs khabi for next season (johnson is a UFA and theo has 1 yr left @ $4.5 which gives mcphee more flexibility to move him if necessary).
As for Philly, they already have two UFA goalies and i doubt they would add a third (unless they could first move one of their own). add the fact that Biron got them to the conference finals last year, and i'm not sure they are thinking goaltending is as big an issue as washington is.
good call on fehr, btw. I noticed he went on a scoring streak after you mentioned him a few weeks back.
I agree completely with everything you said. While I would prefer to keep Khabby for the playoffs, a good return for him makes a trade worthwhile. Huet is good enough for this team this year, especially considering that we shouldn't expect to advance past the second round of the playoffs. So if we add a good young player, then we have more chips to wager, to move around in search of the missing parts of the puzzle. And as for other trade proposals, who knows if Tallon is listening/searching for that face off proficient center, or some other asset?
Some have spoke of this team needing to take the next step. With free agency and the salary cap, it means you are going to need to rely on the drafting and development of your own players. So if the Cap's offer us a good prospect, we need to carefully consider...whether Tallon does is an interesting issue, as he may be too scarred to move Khabby. Tallon should be feeling good abaout making the playoffs; how confidant is he with Huet? As confidant as he was when he fired Savard over it? As I reported last fall, that was the breaking point in getting Savard fired, by the way. I have it directly from an inside person in the Blackhawks family...the veteran coach being a better fit was the original thrust of Savard's days being numbered, the playing time issue over Huet and Khabby was the final straw.
A tough call would be whether to pull the trigger on the Dubinsky trade. Assuming all the names are correct (usually not all are), the Rockford d-man would be Hjalmarsson. Skille, Hjallmarsson, and our #1 '09 is, essentially, three young players for Dubinsky. While Dubinsky is arguably the straw that helps stir the Rangers, imo we have to decide exactly how we project each of the players (& the # 1) we would surrender. I tend to say, Ok, but I admit I could go either way on this trade. If they want another prospect also, forget it. Skille I could care less about loosing; he won't be an impact player. If they want another prospect as long as it isn't Niemi, Beach, Aliu. Makarov, then sure, I'd consider it...but now make that #1 a #2. Niemi. Beach, Aliu, Makarov are players that fill a need for us. That sought after center we have been talking about? In this scenario it would be Dubinsky, Bolland, and Toews making us deep at center, so one or two of those lines is sure to be getting lots of scoring opportunities each game. But none of the centers is going to be in the NHL top ten scoring.
let me ask it again... where have you heard this rumor? i havnt heard it even mentioned anywhere but from the responses to this blog.
but my thoughts on this "rumor" is this... if you look at our current as well as future rosters, there are not many open spots available. And we have quite a few prospects that are and will be knocking on the door very shortly. So if you can package a few of them together to get a player that will make a large impact then you have to do it.
The way I see it, we have this to look forward to in the near future (no particular order):
kane/toews/sharp
versteeg/bolland/beach
buff/ladd/_________
burrish/eager
also, you have to factor in havlat if we deal him or hopefully resign him. Then I think aliu will be pushing hard for or even making a roster spot next year. Same goes for skille. Makarov is maybe 2 years away, and then you have brouwer and kontiola (both of whom I don't see fitting into the future).
So I think if you can package a few of those for a guy who can dominate then you have to. But, you also have to keep the cap in mind since we need to resign toews, kane, keith soon. I think dubinsky would be a perfect fit for this team. Hes one of the league leaders in hits, and hes a young center that would fit right in on this team. plus, i dont think he will cost a ton of money like some of the other names that are being thrown around.
Tim--Any updates to the contract extension talks? The Hawks need to sign this guy for a favorable deal for both sides. It's obvious that Havlat has raised his game another level, and if he is truly healthy, it will be very scary to see what the ceiling is for this guy with LEGITIMATE top 6 forwards around him. Havlat, Toews, and Kane together would be a sick, sick line. Once again, you don't break the bank for him which would damage deals for Kane, Toews, and Keith, but Havlat is showing that there wont' be many forwards out there who have better skill this offseason. 2 yrs. Not long exposure for the Hawks, and a short enough contract that Havlat could CASH in if he produces consistently.
I hear the rumblings of trading the Bulin wall. I was opposed to this early on, but Huet is starting to live up to that deal. If Niemi can prove he can handle the NHL talent, then I think you HAVE TO EXPLORE the possibility of trading Khabibulin. I would hope to get something better then a prospect or draft pick. Knowing that Bulin will be the TOP rental goalie out there, a desperate team should be held hostage by Tallon. Hopefully, Minnesota stays in the race as Backstrom is a UFA and would lower the return for Bulin. Huet is growing on me. He plays OK or badly one game, and then stands on his head the next. Would love to see more consistency out of him.
Something tells me that the folks on Madison St, still see this division race as wide open. Especially with the Hawks 10 pts out, with 2 games in hand, and a very home slated March schedule. I don't forsee them passing Detroit, but I wouldn't put anything past this team at this point.
REAL WIRTZ---I do that trade in a second for Dubinsky. Having watched way too many Rangers game, he is the spark-plug that could put this team into a legitimate threat to come out of the west.
HOCKEYPUCK--I'll be at the game on Sunday if you want to meet. Otherwise I should be there almost every game from here on out.
Lastly, I hate the cap. I always have. Look at Detroit. You develop good players and now have to deal them thanks to this bs. Hudler and Samulssen will be gone. What do you think will happen to a Bolland or Versteeg in a few years with the mega deals of Kane, Toews, and Keith approaching? This is why it's so key to draft and DEVELOP LEGITIMATE NHL PLAYERS. But hey, there is hockey in Nashville, Miami, Tampa, and Phoenix. Thank god for that.
That kid is a difference-maker. Him, James Neal and the Swedish kid (name escapes me right now) from St. Louis are three kids I would love to see on the Hawks. That's exactly the kind of deal Tallon should be looking to make.
I'll go to Billy Goat and stick around until a half hour before the game starts. Then I drive home...it's up to you if you wander down to the goat. But I am taking an elderly gentleman vs penguins and he is in a wheelchair/seats on railing (or very close) and it is near 313 section (I have to look at tickets). So it would be nice to just shake hands and say hello to fellow posters...I know a couple post people may have reservations about saying hello. Oh well, so it will be. Can't say I didn't try to be sociable. I'm not looking at all to debate anything; rather, I'd say thanks for all your comments..it's really enjoyable to read everyone's input. By the way, BigPete, I saw a good coment from you in another Sassone other article.
are REALLY offering soon to be RFA Brandon Dubinsky (who they will have trouble signing b/c of the Gomez-Drury contracts) for Skille, a Rockford defenseman, the Hawk 2009 #1 pick, and a player to be named at the end of the season, because this rumor,which has taken flight in the last 24 hours, does make the hawks a whole lot better for a play-off run...
Great position to be deep in goal and defense, reminds me of the strategy of another team a little east of here. I still cringe everytime I see Huet's 5 hole wide open but he seems to be getting better in closing up the pads and more importantly, holding rebounds.
I believe if Habby and Bustlyn are traded for an excellent big face off winning center, we are net even going into the playoff's. I look at how critical winning face-off's in your zone is to the great teams and we need to get there to be a really scary team.
I have to believe Tallon is waiting for the bubble teams to realize they are sellers instead of buyers and would need a goaltender to salvage the season.
and that was what they payed him 5.625 million a year to do.
This hawk team will not be drastically changes at the deadline except for the hopes they can land a quality face-off centre who will be a regular and grow with the kids, a tough find in this trade market, but I think they will trade rockfords, and darft picks f they acn secure one.
Forget about anyone else leaving, forget about Knabby resigning, and forget about any team offering any thing that will help the hawks in this play-off run, so Tim, you can try and make imaginary scenarios but the opnes above are very very weak as stated by others. the big russian will be the gaolie in washington, anahein is set and stubborn, Montreal committed to both young goalies, and detroit will be lucky to sign anyone in the summer.
I've been hearing alot of speculation that due to the salary cap and the fact that ALOT of teams don't have much cap room that there may not be much movement at all. While I like the idea of the salary cap and the fact that it has created a more competitive league, the drama of the NHL trade deadline was always fun to watch who went where. This year they may not be much drama...
As far as Khabby goes, if he gets healthy there is no doubt that his trade value will never be any higher than it is right now. The guy has had a tremendous year. It will be very interesting to see what the Hawks do and who, if anyone, comes calling.
They should deal him.
The only scenario where they shouldn't is if it's for a rental. Because he's probably worth just as much as an insurance policy in net thru the playoffs.
Draft pick(s), a good prospect, a good center with some tread left on the tires . . . whatever. Deal him. Get some value.
Huet is showing why Tallon signed him. He's only 32.
It's 12 days from the deadline. Will Khabibulin be 100% by then?
Remember when Jeff Hackett starting playing great and Eddie was struggling? Eddie was shipped to San Jose, then next year signed with Dallas. In Dallas he won a cup, what happen to Hackett again? Jacukel, Huet was signed because he had 1 good year. How many goalies in this league have a great year and then the next fall apart. Should I name them? Keep Khabby and you have a shot a going far in the playoffs. Also keep in mind Roberto L had the same body injury and they are not looking to unload him. Yes, I compared him to Roberto, at least Khabby has a ring and knows what it takes to win.
Some holes in your logic, my friend.
I saw Huet play a lot in Montreal when I was working there for a few years. He's been a good goalie for longer than a year. And I think it's fair to say most Hawk fans had not seen him much (if at all) before this year. Heck, most "fans" at the games these days didn't see the HAWKS much until this year!!
Comparing Khabibulin to Luongo is like comparing Mark Buehrle to Johan Santana. They're both left-handers. One's good. The other's great. Khabibulin is 36 with a groin injury. Luongo is what, 26? BIG difference in terms of ability to recover and stay healthy with connective tissue injuries.
Comparing Hackett to Huet is (sorry, with all due respect) kinda ridiculous. Huet's been a #1 for years, and has a ton of playoff experience. You seem to forget that Hack was a career #2 up to that point.
The gulf between Hackett and Belfour was huge. Between Huet and Khabibulin? The numbers . . . don't . . . lie. Especially with goaltenders.
I know the Great Steve Rosenbloom has declared that he has no confidence in Huet. That's great. For a hockey commentator, Rosey knows a lot about basketball!
The fact remains, the Hawks could deal Khabibulin and go every bit as far in the playoffs with Huet in net. They're not going past the second round in either case. If you think so, then best of luck to you.
I love the Eagle, but when you face 17 shots a game, it doesn't take stellar goaltending to win games. Dallas and New Jersey were the staples of what was wrong with hockey in the late 90s when you get molested trying to chase a dump in. That is why the NHL got the Versus TV deal. NObody thought the game would open back up like it was in the 80s.
Hackett played OK. You can't blame him for those playoff losses. Those Hawk teams were very poor. I mean when you are relying on OT goals from Krivokrasov, and 2 goal games from Probert (Game 4 1997 vs Colorado) you are in some serious trouble.
Spot on regarding Belfour in Dallas - I think he was every bit as shaky as could occasionally be with the Hawks, but Dallas was stifling in a league characterized by tight defense. I liked Hackett ok too. I am coming around on Huet, but I am not confident that he can win consistently in the playoffs. Those Hawks teams from the 96 and 97 seasons were ok, but not great - And I think you can pin some of the blame in 95 on Belfour too. The Hawks played Detroit tough, but I remember that OT goal he let in . . . .
You have a very good memory. I also believe that OT goal by Krivo earned him the name "Kurvos" from Pat Roy, as well! :)
Due to Bulin's injury I see the Hawks having not much choice other than keeping him....which probably isn't a bad thing. The injuries to Sharp and Bulin both looked a bit more serious then the "they're day to day" type announcements we were hoping to hear and both injuries could affect their play the rest of the season. Even if Bulin was healthy it is doubtful any of the teams above with the possible exception of Washington would offer anything for a short term goaltending fix. Due to an inevitable salary purge Anaheim is definitely out as any in season trade with the Red Wings should be.
Can you imagine what would happen if Bulin went to the Wings and stoned the Hawks in the playoffs?? Tallon would have to go into witness protection and relocate to wherever Bartman went.
& the hawks better hope khabi fully recovers so they could actually move him before the deadline if they were to get an offer they couldn't refuse.
mcphee gave up a 2nd round pick for huet last year when he already had veteran kolzig who had previously appeared in the finals - how much more would a healthy khabi be worth to him?
at least a 1st round pick and I think if played right, the hawks could even possibly get alzner for khabi. the only danger with washington is tallon might stupidly agree to take nylander back to try to fill the 2nd line center hole.
the talk of philly needing a goalie is overblown - both of their goaltenders have been better than washington's theodore stats wise and they are both UFAs so the flyers are probably looking to move a goalie rather than adding another.
anaheim??? get serious - they have cup winner giguerre signed for 2 more years at $6M they certainly aren't going to be offering much for a UFA goalie and are more likely to be sellers rather than buyers in a move to get younger - which is where pronger comes in...I package barker plus a prospect and/or pick to go after him.
carey price is overrated (just like theodore was the year he won the hart) but montreal has a lot more problems than just in goal - they need more help up front (thanks to lang's injury & kovalev's unreliability) and have a ton of UFAs that might be gone after this year... they aren't going to give up young assets for a rental goalie, and aren't going to give up a good roster player for another UFA when they already have so many & are in a fight to make the playoffs
i was expecting a bit more knowledgeable and plausible speculation from a guy who gets paid to cover the hawks & the nhl on a daily basis....perhaps i'm expecting too much?
and if khabi isn't fully healthy by the deadline, its all moot anyway. then they better pray he gets healthy for the playoffs.
I agree with Chicohawk. Washington is clearly the team that could benefit the most. I can't believe Mcphee went into this season with Theodore. He is bouncing around the league for a reason. He's terrible. Washington has some real talent and would be a serious player in the east with Khabi in net.
Just sayin'.
Dave Bolland is our second line center. Deal with it and move on.
hey chico...your slam on Sassone is hilarious:
"i was expecting a bit more knowledgeable and plausible speculation from a guy who gets paid to cover the hawks & the nhl on a daily basis....perhaps i'm expecting too much?"
...because guess what, he is the guy getting payed while you are the guy sitting in your mom's basement hiding behind a keyboard telling all of us that we don't know anything about hockey while you are apparently the oracle of all things hockey...
I follow the game closely, but am certainly no hockey oracle, but your posts reveal that you are a mindless simpleton with no depth of knowledge or appreciation for the game.
Apparently the only way you know how to attempt to refute arguments and reasoning presented is to ignore them in favor of hurling personal insults...which reflects the mind of an ignoramus or someone suffering from a deep sense of insecurity & inadequacy.
Do you refer to yourself as BigPete to feel better about yourself or is it a reference intended to impress others??
ps - its spelled paid, not payed
LMAO
You're killin me Pete.
I do agree on Bolland. He has blossomed into a very good center this season.
He's really weak on draws.
Where's Yak when you need him?! (BWA-HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!)
For what it is worth:
McPhee today said that the team would re-sign Theordore, and wait on two young goalies already having played some for the NHL team. Both have been impressive; they are former #1 and #2 round choices. McPhee also is hoping Johnson is back in net for the playoffs. Right. They'll blow it with Theodore. He'll make stops in the shootout but let in some easy shots earlier in games. Anaheim's Giguere has a no trade clause, he has to agree. His issue is that the city he plays in has a top notch children's hospital, for his young son who has a health issue. Conklin is fine in Detroit, Osgood hasn't been. But it may not be so bad to trust Osgood anyway. Atlanta should demand Coburn returns for Lehntinen. That won't happen, but maybe a trade could happen. Flyers cannot hold onto some top forwards next year, courtesy of Mr Briere's contract. The penguins need to find someone who will mix well, meaning score goals on a Crosby OR Malkin line. Then they need to move a defenseman, for a better puck moving defenseman. Fleury is supposed to be their man even if he struggles some this year; they can't find money for another goalie after the acquisition of Garon. I still like Garon, who is one of the best in the shootout -- not that it matters in the playoffs. The Price is right: the Canadiens have their man, and he has some spunk, he'll be fine in the long run. That would be as in next year. He may yet play acceptable the remainder of this season. He was good in last night's game until the shootout. So go figure the where and if as far as Khabby goes. Lalime is another veteran lurking. LA announcers feel like they've found their goaltender in Quick. Just as quick #1 Bernier could slide into their crease battle next year?
No, I never really meant Blackhawks could acquire Malone, just thinking how he would fit with Toews and Kane. I knew he had signed a big contract with Tampa, and was just saying if only we could move someone out and bring in a Malone type....Stafford in Buffalo has eight goals in last 11 gp; that is taking the reigns from the injured Vanek. Beware tough games against Florida and the boring style we saw not so long ago from the Minny Wild. Gaborik must pass a big, thorough physical one day before the trade deadline. Some of us lamented O Jokinen landing in Phoenix rather than the Windy City. He has been a big disappointment for Coyotes. Not a good mix in locker room, negative comments flowing about him..despite good numbers in his Florida years.
Keep an eye on how long Beach's team lasts in the junior league playoffs?
just blather & posturing (if McPhee actually said that) before the trade deadline, and theo looked weak on a couple of goals vs. montreal the other night.
i think washington has a definite interest in khabi - he would fill the last piece of their puzzle perfectly and give them a great shot at getting out of the east.
IF they trade Khabi it better be for a good NHL player. Not a prospect or draft pick who will turn into the next Blunden, Kontiola or Skille. We have enough prospects, we need a veteran for the playoffs.
I say hang unto him unless a great offer comes along. I wouldn't even shop for a deal. They can call the Hawks if they need a good playoff goalie.
Tim mentions some teams that should have called the Hawks in October. They will need to overpay now. If they are willing to overpay for a great playoff Goalie the Hawks may make the move.