I'm back after an awesome few days off for Christmas. Merry Christmas to all the Ice Scoopz followers and I hope your Christmas was as good as mine.
*-> Montreal's Jaroslav Halak's stock has sky rocketed as he was named the NHL's 1st star this week. Halak has faced over 40 shots in each of his last 4 games and has stolen the number one job away from Carey Price. although the other teams have not started contacting Montreal it's been well known that there is a ton of interest and come deadline day, he is more than likely gone from Montreal. Halak has stated many times to the media he is a starter and doesn't wanna play 2nd string to Price. His agent over the course of the season has taken many knocks on Price to try and cause controversy. The rumor on the streets is that Halak would rather play in the KHL next season than another season behind Price. In fact he's so adamant to be starter, it's to the point where it's Price on the team or him. Personally I feel Halak is more proven than Price. Halak has shown multiple seasons he can put the struggling Habs on his back and carry them. If you all remember when Cristobal Huet went down to injury down the stretch a few seasons back it was Halak who stole the show. It came down to the last game against the Leafs and Carbs chose to start Huet fresh off injury and the Habs lost because Huet was shaky. Halak has the tools to be a starter and the confidence, the main thing Price lacks. Carey Price was rushed into the lineup and I truly believe it hindered his development. He's not the goalie that was drafted and if I was in Gainey's shoes I would seriously consider trading Price while his stock is still high. I'm not saying he'll never become the superstar goalie he was predicted to be but I am saying it's a long road ahead and Halak may be the better of the two now and the near future. Price's return would be incredible and could help the Canadians now instead of later as in Halak's case. Montreal still has a credible 3rd stringer in Curtis Sanford so a trade could put Montreal back into the playoff picture. the Los Angeles Kings have huge interest in Price and the Habs could wield a pile of prospects or maybe even Alexander Frolov and a high pick. If they were to go that route I'm sure more than a handful of teams would be bidding on Price. If they went with the Halak route they may get a 2nd rounder back as they did with Huet. There still is a ton of interest for Halak and as he heats up he might warrant a better return. The struggling Flyers have had their eyes on him for most of the season and there's no doubt the Detroit Red Wings would also love to have a future starter as they've all but given up on Jimmy Howard. Despite what many media pundits are saying the St.Louis Blues are also looking for a credible starter. The L.A Kings are also in the mix but more for a back-up/post season insurance role.
*-> Mathieu Schnieder has reportedly asked for a trade out of Vancouver siting he is being used sparingly and would like to play or retire. The veteran d-man is infact being shopped but there is little interest. The Canucks are rumored to be willing to take almost anything just to clear his cap hit off the books. The Columbus Blue Jacket's are reported to be interested but I don't think thats the case as the Jackets already aquired Brendan Bell to help out on the PP. They still could use a veteran presance but it's highly unlikely as they'd be seeking someone who could log regular minutes. The L.A Kings are another name mentioned as they would like some experience for their young crew to lean on down the stretch. The Ottawa Senator's are also interested in a powerplay quarterback as their struggling powerplay is costing them games. The pathetic combo of Erik Karlsson. Chris Campoli and Alexandre Picard is embarassing and till Karlsson gets NHL ready, they need somebody to step in and run the show. Cory Cloustons love for using AHLer Ryan Shannon on the point is also quite sad. The Sens would first have to ship out Campoli or Picard the latter who they've tried all season long to no success.
*-> Dion Phaneuf's unrest in Calgary is still an issue although most Calgary media sources have laid off at the request of the Flames. Phaneuf has been the target of Sutter most of the season and could be dealt if the price is right so to speak. Now that the Flames have Bouwmeister, Phaneuf seams expendable especially with his play of late. He could bring in a fortune to a team looking for instant help and a cornerstone player. The Flames would love to re-up Rene Bourque for next season and will need cap space for him and the rest of the season. Many NHL teams still covet Dion and with the exception the cap space starved teams most would love to get the hard hitting Phaneuf. It's a long shot he's moved but I believe if a team can step up and put out an offer that will stock Calgary for the future and for the present the Flames could be tempted. What do you guys think?
More to come, The I.R, more rumors, plus an awesome article written by C.A one of our dedicated fans.
2 comments:
Scoopz! I still don't get this hard on you have with Halak. If the shoe was on the other foot, and Halak was the 5th overall pick, we would be saying that Price is more deserving. If Halak really was a number 1, he wouldn't grab the job and tank like he tends to do. We'll see this time, but come on scoopz, Price is an awesome goalie who lets the fans get to him a bit too much.
As for Ottawa, don't forget about Kuba, he knows how to get a shot through the crowd. Murray doesn't have cap space for Schnieds, not yet anyways....
I just think Jaroslav has proven himself more than Price. Halak has carried the team multiple times and each time Gainey hands the spot back to Price to loose again and again. Price had one good season in the NHL and really it was only good because it was his first. Hes struggled with consistency since and he has little or no confidence in his game. He will be a goalie of the future but the future isn't now. Gainey has a big decision in front of him at the deadline(which is most likely going to be to keep Price and deal) it could make or break the Habs in net so he better chose wisely or get the most in return.
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