Philly Interested In Halak

[animerules1x3]

All those kids are great to have, but we have always had young centers in the minors with potential.

Carter is a verifiable commodity, and i suggest he is a NUMBER 1 center commodity.

The best we got is Maxwell as far as I have been reading, but with his injury history is he a sure thing ?

The rest by your analisys are second and third liners. I believe that when Saku leaves, this Carter guy would (if we had him) very quickly push Plekanecs down to number two center. I could be not evaluating the situation properly, I am not a professional !!!

But I very honestly feel we really need to find a bonafide number 1 quickly. Just my opinion.

To say we need a bonafide number 1 centre quickly is acknowledging that Koivu isn't one when he's playing like one under every aspect.

Why are you so in the after-Koivu ? This man is the heart and soul of this team, and he's not 38 or 40, he is 34 this november, and has probably 3 to 4 more years left in him. Being so crucial to the success of the team, I don't think for a second BG will let him go. In three to four years, we can advise, as in three to four years, we will likely have drafted several other centres.

Basically, the argument for Carter would be justified for now, if we had trouble at centre, which isn't the case, or in the long-term, if we had zero prospects at the position of offensive centre, which is not any more true.

This brings me to say that Carter is a ferrari, and not simply a car. We need a car, not a ferrari. To buy a ferrari is to make a decision based on tastes and desires, not on need. And a very expensive decision that could backfire in many ways. I say no thanks.

[tony1234]

To say we need a bonafide number 1 centre quickly is acknowledging that Koivu isn't one when he's playing like one under every aspect.

Why are you so in the after-Koivu ? This man is the heart and soul of this team, and he's not 38 or 40, he is 34 this november, and has probably 3 to 4 more years left in him. Being so crucial to the success of the team, I don't think for a second BG will let him go. In three to four years, we can advise, as in three to four years, we will likely have drafted several other centres.

Basically, the argument for Carter would be justified for now, if we had trouble at centre, which isn't the case, or in the long-term, if we had zero prospects at the position of offensive centre, which is not any more true.

This brings me to say that Carter is a ferrari, and not simply a car. We need a car, not a ferrari. To buy a ferrari is to make a decision based on tastes and desires, not on need. And a very expensive decision that could backfire in many ways. I say no thanks.

Can you garauntee Saku is with us for 3 to 4 more years, or even after this season even ?

If he is can you garauntee he will be a bona fide number one center for us ? He is playing well this year, but his effectiveness will diminish.

Can you garauntee anybody in the system, or some pick in the future will replace Saku ?

What is wrong with being proactive if we can. If you can lock down a very important part of the puzzle for the next 5 years why not.

As for not having trouble at center, well yes we do and no we don't.

None of our guys are amoung the best in the league (current stats not included here), but what we have is depth.

While our number 1 center isn't as good as alot of teams the drop off from number 1 to number two isn't as steep as other teams. And our drop off from number two to number three is probably better than anyone elses. That is hard to play against. To use your analogy, if we could add a Ferrari without losing our cars, our car lot would be the best in the business. And that would push us into the uncontested best team in the world stratusphere.

That all being said, I do really agree with you, first that Philly would not do it, and secondly the price would be probably way to steep.

Just saying that, IMHO, that acquiring Carter in the proper way would be very beneficial, both for now, and in the long term.

[animerules1x3]

Can you garauntee Saku is with us for 3 to 4 more years, or even after this season even ?

If he is can you garauntee he will be a bona fide number one center for us ? He is playing well this year, but his effectiveness will diminish.

Can you garauntee anybody in the system, or some pick in the future will replace Saku ?

What is wrong with being proactive if we can. If you can lock down a very important part of the puzzle for the next 5 years why not.

As for not having trouble at center, well yes we do and no we don't.

None of our guys are amoung the best in the league (current stats not included here), but what we have is depth.

While our number 1 center isn't as good as alot of teams the drop off from number 1 to number two isn't as steep as other teams. And our drop off from number two to number three is probably better than anyone elses. That is hard to play against. To use your analogy, if we could add a Ferrari without losing our cars, our car lot would be the best in the business. And that would push us into the uncontested best team in the world stratusphere.

That all being said, I do really agree with you, first that Philly would not do it, and secondly the price would be probably way to steep.

Just saying that, IMHO, that acquiring Carter in the proper way would be very beneficial, both for now, and in the long term.

Carter would be good for us by himself. I believe it is the closest we can come to an agreement on this matter. But we cannot just consider a trade for the sake of what we get, we must consider it for what we give.

In a perfect world in which we could acquire him for a price lower than his worth, we would become better than we are now, but we all know that it doesn't work like this. Teams who try to acquire big-time players have to overpay, and I, for one, would only be willing to overpay in order to fix a broken gear. I don't believe we are broken down the middle, and our wings are set. Heck, even our fourth line is playing alright.

However, our goalies are standing over their heads, and we're winning while giving plenty of shots, and quality scoring chances. When our netminders aren't on top of their games, we get beat, like against Anaheim, the worst goalie-game of the season, our lone loss in regulation. I think our only major problem (by major I imply : that needs fixing) is on defense. Our drop between our top 3 defensemen and the next three is big, and every game, we have to ice a D-man I feel uncomfortable with, whether it is Brisebois or O'byrne. There are fourth D's we could try and acquire, for short-term usage. We could first look at teams that will miss playoffs, and other rebuilding teams, so to get such a D-man, and give mainly prospects rather than roster players in exchange. By searching for a modest player, we are diminishing the cost of the transaction, and we are still fulfilling a need.

That's why I wouldn't go for Bouwmesster, for example. He's too good for our need. (that is one, weird thing to say, but it is still true).

[jl-1]

If you are just thinking about a playoff run then getting just a top four dman makes sense, but there is a future to think about as well.

Bob may just make a deal sometime for a center.

We have Koivu who may be gone UFA. As well there is the fact he won't play forever.

We have Lang who may be gone UFA.

We have a couple of kids who could be good replacements, but are not sure things.

Carter is a sure thing replacment, and if we could get him, you gotta do it.

I fully agree Miltie. I think that both can be accomplished.

[74Kos-yn-31Price]

Can you garauntee Saku is with us for 3 to 4 more years, or even after this season even ?

If he is can you garauntee he will be a bona fide number one center for us ? He is playing well this year, but his effectiveness will diminish.

Can you garauntee anybody in the system, or some pick in the future will replace Saku ?

What is wrong with being proactive if we can. If you can lock down a very important part of the puzzle for the next 5 years why not.

As for not having trouble at center, well yes we do and no we don't.

None of our guys are amoung the best in the league (current stats not included here), but what we have is depth.

While our number 1 center isn't as good as alot of teams the drop off from number 1 to number two isn't as steep as other teams. And our drop off from number two to number three is probably better than anyone elses. That is hard to play against. To use your analogy, if we could add a Ferrari without losing our cars, our car lot would be the best in the business. And that would push us into the uncontested best team in the world stratusphere.

That all being said, I do really agree with you, first that Philly would not do it, and secondly the price would be probably way to steep.

Just saying that, IMHO, that acquiring Carter in the proper way would be very beneficial, both for now, and in the long term.

I didn't really read all of this arguement, but are you trying to say we should trade saku because its his contract year to get some return for him??

Saku will help this year, which we're gunning for a cup

Saku is the heart of this team, and its proven time and time again in the playoffs

Saku is ripping it up with Tanguay which took over as the number one line just to get traded?

Whose to say Carter will gel with anyone on this team? why mess with something thats not broken when talking about high end players

There is 0 chance gainey is dumb enough to trade a high value player like saku when hes building for a cup THIS year

[tmash]

The question in all of this, is why do they want Halak? Biron has had a bad start, but he was excellent for them last year. I just can't see them wanting another starting goaltender.

[tony1234]

I didn't really read all of this arguement, but are you trying to say we should trade saku because its his contract year to get some return for him??

Saku will help this year, which we're gunning for a cup

Saku is the heart of this team, and its proven time and time again in the playoffs

Saku is ripping it up with Tanguay which took over as the number one line just to get traded?

Whose to say Carter will gel with anyone on this team? why mess with something thats not broken when talking about high end players

There is 0 chance gainey is dumb enough to trade a high value player like saku when hes building for a cup THIS year

Never said to trade Saku, I want Saku to be a Hab for his entire career.

But Saku will surely retire, it happens to the best of them !!! What do we have to replace him ?

The question in all of this, is why do they want Halak? Biron has had a bad start, but he was excellent for them last year. I just can't see them wanting another starting goaltender.

This I agree with, but the whole debate is based on the assumption that the report was correct and not an Eklund like stab in the dark.

But that is half the fun of rumors is it not ?

[charles@conceptsfisher.com]

As Jennifer Rocket said : I would LISTEN (and that would probably be it) to offers involving Carter. I am not sure what Philadephia has in their system, but I can't think of any players off the top of my head who jump out at me. Carter's not even that proven at the NHL level. Especially for his salary of $5 million. As far as I'm concerned Philadelphia can continue to be horrible and Montreal can continue to be awesome, and that's fine with me!

No deal, I say!

I agree 100%

[habsfan321]

Logically, wouldn't New Jersey be extremely interested in Halak? Brodeur is out for 3-4 months! Where else can they find a #1 caliber NHL goalie at this time in the season?

EDIT: Now I notice that there is a thread about New Jersey's goaltending issues... Now...

[amp73]

Where else can they find a #1 caliber NHL goalie at this time in the season?

Is Halak really a # 1 goalie ? or are we overestimating his real value

[jl-1]

Is Halak really a # 1 goalie ? or are we overestimating his real value

I think he can be, but he needs some playing time. It's hard, especially for a young goalie who's used to playing every day, to keep sharp on the bench. The same situation last year when Huet was playing and Price was sitting.

[tmash]

Is Halak really a # 1 goalie ? or are we overestimating his real value

He could be, but will teams be willing to give up much? Every since Bryzgalov, I question exactly what not fully proven goalies are really worth.

Anyways, the last couple of games sure aren't helping his stock.

[westernleafsfan]

i know it's rather unrealistic since philly has problems on D, but what about halak for newly acquired matt carle straight up? maybe we'd have to chip in a little extra but i would at least consider this option if it came up.

[flames4eva]

i know it's rather unrealistic since philly has problems on D, but what about halak for newly acquired matt carle straight up? maybe we'd have to chip in a little extra but i would at least consider this option if it came up.

Hey why not... is he a right-hand shot?

[jl-1]

i know it's rather unrealistic since philly has problems on D, but what about halak for newly acquired matt carle straight up? maybe we'd have to chip in a little extra but i would at least consider this option if it came up.

The way he's been playing in his last two outings, not having proven anything at the NHL level, I don't think that Halak will bring you anything but a draft pick or a prospect at this point. He's good, he has potential, but he's highly overrated on this site.

[WTA]

The way he's been playing in his last two outings, not having proven anything at the NHL level, I don't think that Halak will bring you anything but a draft pick or a prospect at this point. He's good, he has potential, but he's highly overrated on this site.

well I'd hate to say it, but atleast Halak was good enough to get us a point against Columbus, and also he atleast beat Toronto, I know for the most part Price has been pretty good...but there have been certain games here and there that he hasn't looked good either...I'm not saying too trade Price but maybe at this point in time he's just a tad bit overrated too

[jl-1]

well I'd hate to say it, but atleast Halak was good enough to get us a point against Columbus, and also he atleast beat Toronto, I know for the most part Price has been pretty good...but there have been certain games here and there that he hasn't looked good either...I'm not saying too trade Price but maybe at this point in time he's just a tad bit overrated too

Let's put both goalies on the market and see who fetches the most, shall we?

[sens27]

The way he's been playing in his last two outings, not having proven anything at the NHL level, I don't think that Halak will bring you anything but a draft pick or a prospect at this point. He's good, he has potential, but he's highly overrated on this site.

I do agree with you here JL. Halak does have loads of potential and i do believe he will one day be a starter in the N.H.L someday, having said that there are a few peope here that think he would bring us riches in return via trade. At this point a draft pick and maybe a prospect as JL has pointed out. hopefully with a few more starts halak's stock will rise and maybe fetch us a little more later in the season.

[WTA]

Let's put both goalies on the market and see who fetches the most, shall we?

u and I both know the answer to that......I'm just saying Halak is not the only one who may be just a tad bit over rated at this point in time

[westernleafsfan]

The way he's been playing in his last two outings, not having proven anything at the NHL level, I don't think that Halak will bring you anything but a draft pick or a prospect at this point. He's good, he has potential, but he's highly overrated on this site.

i totally agree with you and i'm aware of halaks value right now. that's why i proposed in my original post, that we'll probably have to chip in a little extra in order to get carle. and depending on what that extra is that philly wants, i'd do or do not do the trade

[franck5890]

I think he can be, but he needs some playing time. It's hard, especially for a young goalie who's used to playing every day, to keep sharp on the bench. The same situation last year when Huet was playing and Price was sitting.

Exactly. He doesn't even have 30 NHL games under his belt, so regardless of how well he plays you still have to be cautious with him. He certainly might have the talent and skills to become a number one, but he probably needs a little more grooming and experience to truly be considered a full-out starting goaltender.

[habs1119]

Halak is going to get alot of looks from teams with time to develop young players (ie LA), or anyone looking for a quality NHL goalie (Philly, Ott, etc) He is young but has proven he can play as a top 10-15 goalie in this league, soild not exceptional. I just hope BG uses him to bait the right trade the team needs IF he trades him at all. I'd rather keep him here playing 30-35 games a season for the remainder of his contract.

[Phatz]

Hmmmmm, I'll say what I've been saying all along, it's still too soon to be shopping Halak.

Plus, anything we could use from Philly, they wouldn't be ready to part with. I wouldn't want Briere anyways, anyone who snubs his home town is looking to get booed when he steps foot in the city.

Bet Briere wishes he would've taken the Habs up on their offer, the grass isn't always greener is it Briere?

LOL ya serves Briere right. after tonight I would not be shopping Halak eithier.

REmber on the farm it was Price backing Halak till the injury and he came off bench to save the day, cup and all.

Maybe Halak wants to turn back the hands of time in NHL. He sure was a MONSTER TONIGHT>

[vive-latendresse]

We never know... A Richards + Gagné VS Halak trade would be interesting no?

[cbarker78]

After watching the game against the Avalanche I don't think Gainey will be dealing either Price or Halak.Keep them both and play the hot goalie.If that means Halak starts in the playoffs then he has earned that right.Price is good and he will bounce back but for now Halak has to keep starting.