6.04.2007

Gambling with Humans, Part IV

What an opportune time to look at the goaltending possibilities for Vancouver in the upcoming free agency period.

What's that you say? "We have Luongo so why even bother?" Well, because first it would be a poor investment strategy on management's behalf to play him damn near 80 games a year yet again and, moreover, he's one groin pull/concussion/puck to the throat/errant Nagy crease crashing disaster away from sinking the hopes of the team that is built around him.

Secondly, as the Province notes this morning, Sabby is going to test the shallow end of the free agency pool. I do like the guy so more power to him if he bolts, particularly if he finds a GM who wants to pay him more then $450,000 a year because he did his job for three minutes in a playoff game. In fact, he should just head to LA now because I feel confident he can give their crew a run for their money.

So, if Sabby flies the coop, what is left out there to buddy up with Luongo and keep that bench warm?

J.S. Giguere - Not a chance in hell
Niklas Backstrom - See above; although it would be fun to screw the Wild by getting him
Curtis Joseph - FORE!
Dominik Hasek - I really don't care what this man does
David Aebischer - See above
Kevin Weekes - No reunion here
Mathieu Garon - Not bad backup if he wants it at a substantial discount
Robert Esche - Same issue as Garon plus carries some injury woes

Rounding out the cheaper options include:

Brian Boucher, Dany Sabourin, Ed Belfour, Jamie McLennan, JS Aubin, Jocelyn Thibault, Jussi Markkanen, Karl Goehring, Mike Dunham, Mike Smith, Scott Clemmensen, Sean Burke, Ty Conklin, Wade Dubielewicz and Wade Flaherty.

At the end of the day it's not going to matter much since, for the first time in this fan's tenure of a Canuck fan, the crease isn't a problem. But it's good to be thorough so...

UFA Goalies
Will break bank/move contracts for: No one. See redundancy for more detail.
Hold your breath and pray: Smith
Go nuts, but don't expect much: Boucher, McLennan, JS Aubin
Plan a project: Goehring, Dubielewicz
Look fondly at Manitoba: Ellis, Flaherty, Grumet-Morris, MacIntyre. Also that Schneider bloke out in beantown.
Just get a warm body: Clemmensen (he knows the score), Flaherty, Dunham and Shredder because he can double as an maintenance guy (skate sharpening, quick stitch jobs, bench security, haiku's) while he sits and waits. Plus his blades will impale the pucks to reduce rebounds and any crease crashers will be murdered.

21 comments:

Johan said...

I kinda like the look of Markkanen as back-up. McLennan has a good relationship with Luongo - his back-up in Florida, but given his errant stick, I wonder...

jacksonh said...

Gotta go with McLennan:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=NQ7eDUYABDQ

Mike said...

McLennan would definitely be a logical pick. Truthfully, I think Nonis will go with MacIntyre if Sabby leaves and, if MacIntyre fails, then scout the waiver wire. Although who knows...if Lui pitches for McLennan then it would be in the bag a bit.

Bethany said...

You guys have G-Mo!! He played with the Cincinnati team for a bit. He is a really good goalie...he has really good form in my opinion. Anyway thats all.

Mike said...

If no one will take...I'll do it. I'll sacrifice my career for sitting on a bench for 77 some-odd games a year. As long as they're cool with losing the 8 games I'd start.

Rinslet said...

I don't think the Canucks have G-mo do they? I thought that was a Moose transaction.. unless we sign him to an NHL contract. o_o;

But I'll take Dmac for backup. So much goalies in the system, mgiht as well use them someday and let the younger ones develop in the farm.

Bethany said...

Actually, I think the Ducks own him...now that I think about it...

Mike said...

You guys don't endorse me for the role? Hmph...you'll be sorry when I win one game and everyone loves me for 30 seconds! :\

Rinslet said...

:P I didn't know you were one of the cheaper options *runs far away*

Mike said...

I'm so cheap the NHLPA would hate me with a passion. Trent Klatt would leave me death threats nightly.

Rinslet said...

Write them a letter and maybe Nonis will offer you a contract! :D

Speaking of~ your reaction to the Pyatt signing?

Mike said...

You think I can start a Vote for Rory campaign going? C'mon, you know you want to see a cynical asshole like me in net freak out when I get scored on repeatedly.

As for Pyatt, I just posted something on him. It's good to have him back as long as he improves and stays healthy. If he gets better, then 1.5 mil a season is a steal.

Bethany said...

Mike I support you in your goalie quest....I would vote for you :)

Mike said...

Bethany...SWEEEET. Just don't hold it against me when the only team I can beat is Columbus. Maybe. :)

Bethany said...

Ouch Mike...Ouch...bit of a low blow...:(

Mike said...

hey, i said maybe! Besides, we all know a rank amateur isn't going to stop any NHL team. Or AHL team. Or high school team. MAYBE a pick up roller hockey team though...

Bethany said...

Haha yeah yeah yeah...

Mike said...

Fine, I leave an opened ended challenge to you personally my friend. If you can score twice on me in 20 shots, I owe you a steak. So now it's personal...you and me...for the coveted title of Roberto Luongo's benchwarming bitch. Bring it!

Bethany said...

Haha deal!!!!!!! Name the time and place :)

Mike said...

Anytime...I sleep in my old goalie gear to ward off evil spirits. All I need to hear is 'pronger touched the cup' and I will spring to life in the butterfly stance ready to hack the bone. Or some such thing.

Bethany said...

Haha nice Mike...you're my favorite.