TCY's Wish List: Jaroslav Halak

by Matthew_Taylor on Jun 23, 2009 10:52 PM PDT in Armchair GM

If I were to go through all the players in the NHL that I wanted to see in a Sharks jersey, it would be a pretty ridiculous list.

Ales Hemsky, Rick Nash, Ovie, Sidney Crosby, Sam Gagner etc.

Most, if not all of those players, would be unattainable. That's not the point of this series of posts. What I'm trying to do is to highlight a few players who could actually find their way to the beautiful city of San Jose.

If you known me at all, or you have a set of working eyes, you should know who will be the first player looked at in this series.

Now, I'm not against signing Gustavsson, and I'm not for (mindlessly blaming and) trading Nabokov. However, after watching Halak play and looking into his career stats, it's kinda hard to ignore him.

Make the jump for an in depth look at Montreal netminder Jaroslav Halak.

He's played for 9 teams over 6 years (in Slovakia, the QMJHL, the ECHL, the AHL, and the NHL), and had a save percentage of under .915 only twice. One of those stints was in the 16 games he played for Montreal in 2006-2007. Over that stretch, he went 10-6 with a 2.89 GAA. The other was 47 games with the Lewiston MAINEiacs of the QMJHL. In those 47 games, he posted a .913 save percentage while going 24-17 with a 2.78 GAA. So even when he's bad, he's pretty good.

He's never had a losing record. Last season with the playoff bound yet rapidly imploding Canadiens, he went 18-14, while starter Carey Price went 23-16. Price posted a .905 save % accompanied by a 2.83 GAA. Halak came in at .915 and 2.86. Not too shabby.

He's 24. Gustavsson? He's a year older. But another thing that Halak has over Gustavsson is that he's NHL tested. Although it's known that Gustavsson has talent, it's unknown if that talent will translate directly to the NHL. In Halak, you at least have an idea of what you are getting.

Is he better than Nabokov? Who knows. But what I do know is that the difference between the two is far from vast. The biggest difference between them is the price. Nabokov's contract is fourth largest on the team, and it sure would be nice to shed some salary this offseason. Halak, although an RFA after next season, is only an 800,000 cap hit. You've got a better chance to sign Halak for cheaper and longer after the season is over.

Besides the skill and the cost, the thing that makes Halak most attractive is the situation he's in. Carey Price is, and without a doubt will be, the starter for the Montreal Canadiens in the present and future. That leaves the Canadiens in a sticky situation. With Halak an RFA next season, he'll most likely be signed away by a team in need of goaltending. The Canadiens will undoubtedly let him walk (they're almost guaranteed to use all their cap space on free agents this offseason), because they already have Price (who's also an RFA). If I were Bob Gainey, I'd do my best to get as much value as possible for him right now.

This situation is much like the Sharks' with Toskala and Nabokov a few seasons ago. Toskala, who played extremely well as both the backup and starter for San Jose, was considered to be the best goalie not starting in the NHL at the time (Nabokov unseeded Toskala at midseason, and played well in the playoffs). The Sharks ended up trading him (along with Mark Bell) to Toronto in 2007 for the team's 1st & 2nd round pick in 2007 and their 4th round pick in 2009. That was a good deal for the Sharks, but it probably could have been better... the situation (having two good goalies) in San Jose forced Doug Wilson's hand, and other teams knew it. Toronto got Toskala at less than market value.

If the Sharks were to trade for Halak now, they'd get him at a bargain. Michalek, Cheechoo, and a fourth? Ehrhoff and a 2nd? There are a few possibilities. Montreal is $33.4MM under the cap right now, so they most likely could absorb some salary. If they don't go after JB, defense is a point of weakness for them. Or, Michalek and Cheechoo could provide secondary scoring if they go after the Sedins/Gaborik/Havlat/Hossa/Lecavalier. As it stands, they only have seven forwards signed for next year. There is alot to be done in Montreal this offseason. If this scenario were to play out, the Sharks would then be able to move Nabokov to replace the pieces we lost to trade for Halak. Hell, wheelin' dealin' Wilson might even be able to pull a three way dealio. That way he's avoid the same situation he's taking advantage of.

Or, you could trade for Halak and still keep Nabokov for the time being. If time was split between the two, a decision could be made by the trade deadline: who to keep, and who to trade. Either would bring a pretty good haul in a deadline day deal.

Of course, this is all pure speculation. You may agree, and you may not. I really like Halak, and a trade involving him could be good for this team. S'all I'm sayin'.

Poll

All things considered (age, skill, contract, players/picks given up in order to obtain) which goalie would you rather have?

Jonas Gustavsson

98 votes

Jaroslav Halak

87 votes

Evgeni Nabokov

106 votes

291 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 58 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

I’ve gone back and forth on this so much and still haven’t come to a firm conclusion.

I think Nabokov being in a contract year is going to have a positive affect on his play next season. The five hole is concerning, his long term future with San Jose is very much up in the air. In my eyes, Pavelski and Setoguchi are much more essential to the organization next offseason which could lead to San Jose getting nothing for Nabokov if they let him walk. I think an earlier comparison I made comparing Nabokov to Kipper is applicable as well- both are goaltenders who rely on challenging the shooter, and when you get older those reflexes deteriorate. This could explain the aforementioned five hole goals. Nabokov also was fifth in the Vezina voting this season as well as ~~winning the whole shebang~~ finishing as a runner up last year. There’s definitely an interest around the league for his services.

Lots to consider, but at the end of the day I think I’m sticking with Nabby. Contract year, NTC, lack of a proven NHL 60 game starter in the system, bringing in a guy who hasn’t started an entire NHL season… it just screams risky to me. The further I get into the offseason, the more I look back on the Presidents Trophy and realize that it’s role players who need to be replaced. Add some different parts there and roll out what was the best team in the NHL last regular season. Nabby’s playoff stats have been decent enough the last few seasons, but then again he hasn’t gotten us far enough.

Ugh. Too much to think about at this hour.

“I’ve got my swim trunks, and my flippie floppies.”

Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution

by Mr. Plank on Jun 24, 2009 2:24 AM PDT reply actions

Mermex?

There are some role players missing, and some forwards who couldn’t seem to remember what they should be doing once they were out on the ice in the second half, but goaltending is always the backbone of a team. Teams can go far into the playoffs with great goaltending, but no one gets beyond one or two rounds with piss-poor netminding. MAF and Osbad are solid goalies, but they had a lot a great talent and luck in front of them the last two years. Our last two years? Good amount of talent that underplayed the playoffs. When Nabby played well a year ago, we made it out of the first round (thanks to JR), but this year I think we outshot Anaheim every game and Nabby couldn’t elevate his play.

I’m not sure how to go back and find my earlier posts here, but towards the end of the season, I believe I posted that we should trade for Halak. Now it’s a little eery that he’s the first person on TCY’s wish list. Either way I’ll take him and figure out what to do with Nabby later.

Originally a NorthStars fan, but Modano is all that remains.

by stufflife on Jun 24, 2009 8:29 AM PDT up reply actions

I don’t remember you posting that… I should have… I’ve been on a Halak tear for months now. Good to see someone else supports the Halak Attack.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on Jun 24, 2009 8:37 AM PDT up reply actions

My mistake

I didn’t actually post it on here, but it was about the time I joined this site (again, from lurking around “We bleed teal” for quite a long time). I posted this on a friends Facebook page…

“at 9:33pm April 27
That’s what I was thinking. Nabby to MTL for Halak and a prospect.”

Sorry no box. I don’t see how to do it right now, and I’m at work so I don’t have time to dig.

Originally a NorthStars fan, but Modano is all that remains.

by stufflife on Jun 24, 2009 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions

Heh, I’ll choose not to add anything I’ve posted on my friends Facebook walls late at night after a big loss. Something tells me it would be along the lines of, “Ship everyone out of town” haha.

Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution

by Mr. Plank on Jun 24, 2009 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions

I didn’t look through this, but here’s what the search function turns up on Halak. It’s in the right hand corner if you ever need to look for something like that.

And yes, Nabokov was God-awful this postseason.

Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution

by Mr. Plank on Jun 24, 2009 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Haha, I just went through some of those threads, and guess what I found?

Leafs beat the Flames. I wonder how long its going to be until Keenan gets fired, lol.

by mymclife on Mar 14, 2009 6:41 PM PDT

I so called it, just two months ahead of schedule ;P

And ITA, Nabby sucked in the playoffs.

"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Fools and Sages

by mymclife on Jun 24, 2009 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Haha, going through old threads is awesome. I’ll have to do that sometime.

Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution

by Mr. Plank on Jun 24, 2009 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions

hey idunno723

what’s your friend code for mariokart wii?

"It aint over till the fat lady sings." - Not Yogi Berra

by serrapadre716 on Jun 24, 2009 9:35 AM PDT reply actions

It’s 3609-4080-1332

-The dude responsible for this mess

by idunno723 on Jun 24, 2009 4:14 PM PDT up reply actions

mine is 4210-4588-6853

"It aint over till the fat lady sings." - Not Yogi Berra

by serrapadre716 on Jun 24, 2009 6:52 PM PDT up reply actions

I added you.

-The dude responsible for this mess

by idunno723 on Jun 25, 2009 5:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Personally, I’d wait until Gustavsson makes his decision on June 29. Because while he does not have any NHL experience, the Sharks don’t have to trade anything away to get him, which is always a plus. If he chooses us, well, that’s settled because he wants to play under an experienced NHL netminder, which is Nabokov.

But if we were to go after Halak, I could see trading Cheechoo+rights to Greiss for Halak+3rd round pick, maybe throw in Lukowich to get rid of more salary. Trading Cheechoo would help our cap problems, and going to a different team would also likely result in an improve in his scoring. Plus, as we all know, he works his ass off every time he’s out on the ice even when he’s not scoring, which will be a welcome change in Montreal, as those guys sort of gave up at the end. I’m including Greiss because he’s a decent AHL netminder and could probably survive being a backup at the NHL level. The fact that DW would trade for Halak (or even that he’s interested in Gustavsson) means that he doesn’t have confidence in Greiss going forward, and with the logjam we have in the AHL at the goalie position (Dakers, Stalock, and Sexsmith – if he doesn’t do an overager – are now all in the AHL) we need some relief. I’m a bit hesitant to give up Greiss, as it seemed like he finally turned it on at the end of the year and in the playoffs, but its almost a case of too little, too late.

Oh, and I agree with Plank – I’m all for sticking with Nabby as the #1 this season, as he tends to play out of his mind when his job is on the line (whether he’s competing for a contract or the #1 position – and both would be on the line with either Gustavsson or Halak coming here). His experience in the playoffs – he did get the Sharks to the WCF in 2004, after all – also helps when we’re thinking about getting largely untested goalies.

"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Fools and Sages

by mymclife on Jun 24, 2009 11:44 AM PDT reply actions

i think we have to keep greiss and try him as the backup this season

what’s the point of having so many goaltending prospects if there’s no chance to break them in before they get thrown out there. We need to use them and start a bit of rebuilding without damaging the team

by a10dency2ask on Jun 24, 2009 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions

The thing is, he was used in 07-08 as a backup (since Patzold was strictly a bench-warmer), and he lost every single game he was in (sort of like McElheinny or w/e for the Flames). He got his first professional shutout this past March, despite playing professionally for several years in the AHL.

And if Greiss does end up being a bust, we still have Dakers, Stalock, Sexsmith, and Sateri all developing right now. And those are just the big-name goalie prospects; I’m sure there are even more hidden in college, juniors, and the Euro leagues that the Sharks have drafted. Its just that, having a Vezina-caliber workhorse goalie in net already tends to limit the chances for goalie prospects to get starting positions at the NHL level, which means that we won’t be able to fully utilize our goaltending depth.

"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Fools and Sages

by mymclife on Jun 24, 2009 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions

07-08 soured me on Greiss. It’s obviously not fair of me to make a decision based on a small selection of performances, but he did nothing to make me feel comfortable handing him the reigns when Nabby eventually retires or signs elsewhere. I’m willing to have him prove me wrong, but I’m not sure he’ll get much of a chance behind Nabokov.

resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com. Endorsed by Mr. K on "CINCODEMYOOR!!!!!"

by CTGray on Jun 24, 2009 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions

ok guys he played like 3 games

I’m just saying if we dont’ start bringing in the youngsters now, as scary a prospect as that may be, we’re gonna get stuck one of these years with goalies totally inexperienced at the NHL level unless we dish out a bunch of money to either keep Nabby or get another great goalie

by a10dency2ask on Jun 24, 2009 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions

which is why I said it wasn't fair to judge him on such a small sample size (even though I am)

I realize he needs more time at the NHL level to prove himself, but he still makes me a little nervous.

resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com. Endorsed by Mr. K on "CINCODEMYOOR!!!!!"

by CTGray on Jun 24, 2009 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions

He had a .860 SV% over his three appearances. Not as bad as Patzold (.800 SV% – ouch), but nothing that really strikes confidence in me. Especially when you compare him to Boucher, who came in from the Phantoms and posted a .932 SV% in two more games, with a 1.76 GAA as opposed to Greiss’s 3.26 (and then Patzold had a 5.45 in three appearances, so once again, ouch). True, Boucher is an experienced NHL netminder and led the Flyers to the ECF one year, as well as posting that shutouts record, but still. Greiss’s stats, as well as how he played, doesn’t make me all that confident in him, no matter how great he played in the Calder Cup playoffs.

"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Fools and Sages

by mymclife on Jun 24, 2009 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions

still say we gotta have him up on the big team

he’s the only one that’s potentially NHL ready.

by a10dency2ask on Jun 24, 2009 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Are we all guessing that Boucher isn't going to be re-signed?

"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009

by Morti on Jun 24, 2009 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Ya know, we still haven’t done that piece- after my hockey game I’ll whip something up tonight, if you guys want to wait on discussing it.

For the record I think he’s gone, but not because I wouldn’t like to have him around. His statistics warrant a raise that would likely be out of our range, and this could be the last opportunity for him to land a big contract considering his career is coming to a close. Also, and I’ll touch on this a lot more tonight, I agree with a10dency- it’s time to give Griess a shot at the big time if Boucher is out of our price range.

Anyways, look for a more in-depth look at this around nine or so.

Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution

by Mr. Plank on Jun 24, 2009 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions

Tight!

He’s the one guy that we talked about all season (well Dave mostly!), but then it seems like we(the post-ers) havent really brought him up.

"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009

by Morti on Jun 24, 2009 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions

Heh, make that tomorrow morning. In time for your morning tea!

Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution

by Mr. Plank on Jun 24, 2009 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions

Amazing that you thought this, TCY

I’ve had the same thoughts about the Sharks picking him up as well. Though I had him coming over for far less. I know Toskola (and Mark bell) netted a 1st, 2nd and 4th, but considering the Canadians have huge cap space, I figured Cheechoo/Greiss for Halak and a 4th would be more than sufficient. Toskala had a good playoffs the year before the trade, whereas Halak barely even played in this year’s playoffs.

I do understand Plank’s point, though. But isn’t that assuming Nabby has the skill left to bounce back? This isn’t a 27 year old heading into free agency, Nabby is gonna be 34.

Imagine DW trading Cheech/Greiss for Halak and a 4th. Thats $3mil off the books. Then DW turns around and deals Nabby, Michalek, Lukas Kaspar, and a rd 2 for Heatley. That’s almost even money (I think the Sharks come out $1mil ahead). There is your money for Ryan Clowe.

Really, it is quite amazing the flexibility DW has built into such a contending squad. I mean, we are worried about next offseason (Pavs, Seto, Marleau). Anyone else realize that the Sharks have over $8mil in cap space this year? With Nabby’s $5 mil coming off the books next year? Det has only $3mil right now (and still want to sign Hossa), Bos $6mil (and still need to sign Kessel). The Sharks have…Rob Blake? Travis Moen? Marcel Goc? I don’t think people realize how lucky the Sharks are to have DW pulling the trigger.

by ruben398 on Jun 24, 2009 12:58 PM PDT reply actions

Haha, I was almost going to put Halak and a 4th for Cheechoo and Greiss, but put third instead. The only problems I see with the trade is that Greiss is a pending RFA, so it would be the rights to him more than anything, which lowers his value.

Oh, and believe me, I thank whatever hockey gods there are for Doug Wilson every single time I see a reference to a “Joe Thorntonesque heist.” Knowing that you have the GM that pulled off one of the most lopsided trades in NHL history is always a good thing.

"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Fools and Sages

by mymclife on Jun 24, 2009 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Hmm… you’re probably right about it taking less than I imagine.

Maybe Michalek and Cheech would net us a pick in return?

I’m including Michalek because I have another idea, coming out sometime this week.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on Jun 24, 2009 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions

I think Michalek would net us more than just a pick, especially if you consider Cheech could probably get Halak straight-up. Michalek is a young top-6 winger signed to a good contract ($4.3M/year until 2014) with no NTC – I could easily see him getting a decent prospect and a second rounder, or even a first rounder. Michalek for Halak+ would work; throwing Cheech in would just require Montreal to throw in more.

"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Fools and Sages

by mymclife on Jun 24, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions

I think that we overvalue Cheech a bit, because there is no way he’d get Halak 1-1.

I’d take Cheech/Milan for Halak and a 1st in a heartbeat. 6MM in salary shed… but I am pretty mad at those players, so maybe I’m undervaluing them.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on Jun 24, 2009 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions

why are you mad at Milan?

I’m sure you said but I have forgotten

resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com. Endorsed by Mr. K on "CINCODEMYOOR!!!!!"

by CTGray on Jun 24, 2009 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions

Playoff performance. He’s not the only one who shrunk, but he’s also streaky as hell in the regular season. It’s beginning to look like that contract was bad.

I have so much faith in him, but I think I underestimated the sneakiness.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on Jun 24, 2009 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions

And I wanted to switch sneakiness with “streakiness”, but then I said the actual quote and typed what I typed.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on Jun 24, 2009 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Cheech is a former Rocket Richard winner, and usually a consistent 20-30 goal scorer (this year, with Goc and Grier, I don’t think anyone could post over 20 goals). True, he has injury problems and declining stats, but his ceiling is still there and you know that he plays his heart out every shift. His value isn’t what it was a few years ago, but there is some there. If not Halak straight up, I could see the Sharks just needing to add a fourth or fifth round pick to even things out.

I think you are overvaluing Halak a bit, because while he is good, he’s just a young backup that has yet to have a starting role in the NHL, and is on a team who already declared their goalie savior for the future.

Oh, and I think Milan is worth more than that – a 23-34-57 line is not too shabby for the second line, and he’s a good two-way player that can play on the PK. His streakiness is annoying, but GMs will probably overlook that and be willing to part with some good picks and/or prospects for Michalek on his own.

"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Fools and Sages

by mymclife on Jun 24, 2009 2:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Agreed.

Cheech for Halak sounds sexy.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on Jun 24, 2009 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Stop being smarter than me, please.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on Jun 24, 2009 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm sorry

I’ll try harder next time.

"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Fools and Sages

by mymclife on Jun 24, 2009 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions

This is why I let you two do most of the talking

I can’t keep up!

Also applies to Teas, a10dency, and anyone else who actually knows what they’re talking about.

resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com. Endorsed by Mr. K on "CINCODEMYOOR!!!!!"

by CTGray on Jun 24, 2009 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions

damn

who actually knows what they’re talking about.

there goes my shot

"It aint over till the fat lady sings." - Not Yogi Berra

by serrapadre716 on Jun 24, 2009 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions

i definitely don't

but thanks for the compliment

by a10dency2ask on Jun 24, 2009 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions

Also applies to Teas, a10dency, and anyone else who actually knows what they’re talking about.

Thanks for the burn lady ;)

Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution

by Mr. Plank on Jun 24, 2009 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions

I was going to add you

but you’re not usually tarting about in the threads with the masses ;)

resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com. Endorsed by Mr. K on "CINCODEMYOOR!!!!!"

by CTGray on Jun 24, 2009 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions

Seriously.

I think I’m going to change my screen name to “anyone else who actually knows what they’re talking about.” so I could feel better.

-The dude responsible for this mess

by idunno723 on Jun 24, 2009 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions

:P

you could just assume I was being nice and including everyone but myself, but if pouting about is more fun, I’ll go with that.
Gotta fill up all that summer free time somehow, amirite?

resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com. Endorsed by Mr. K on "CINCODEMYOOR!!!!!"

by CTGray on Jun 24, 2009 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions

well...

Everyone but Plank, who had god-like status bestowed upon him by the power of natty ice

resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com. Endorsed by Mr. K on "CINCODEMYOOR!!!!!"

by CTGray on Jun 24, 2009 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions

we watched in AWE.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on Jun 24, 2009 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions

speaking of (OT)

I’m working on commemorating that night. But the heavenly glow Plank attained from the Natty Ice is something I will never be able to do justice to.

resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com. Endorsed by Mr. K on "CINCODEMYOOR!!!!!"

by CTGray on Jun 24, 2009 4:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Don't even talk to me!

-The dude responsible for this mess

by idunno723 on Jun 24, 2009 4:33 PM PDT up reply actions

but, but

how will I get my ideas from the Tank?!

resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com. Endorsed by Mr. K on "CINCODEMYOOR!!!!!"

by CTGray on Jun 24, 2009 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't get it.

-The dude responsible for this mess

by idunno723 on Jun 24, 2009 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions

that's what she said

resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com. Endorsed by Mr. K on "CINCODEMYOOR!!!!!"

by CTGray on Jun 24, 2009 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions

you should do more fanposts

"It aint over till the fat lady sings." - Not Yogi Berra

by serrapadre716 on Jun 24, 2009 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't know!

Halak sounds good but I’ve never seen him play!

Gustavsson sounds potentially awesome!

Nabby might suck!

For my vote I’ll put “Surprise me”.

-The dude responsible for this mess

by idunno723 on Jun 24, 2009 3:05 PM PDT reply actions

You've seen Halak play.

Remember when the Sharks played the Canadiens this year, and completely outplayed them, but lost 3-2? And we said it was because they had a hot goalie that stood on his head? Yeah, Halak was that hot goalie.

"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Fools and Sages

by mymclife on Jun 24, 2009 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Okie dokie

That game made me mad. I knew for surely the Sharks would win but it didn’t happen.

I’ll edit my comment too: Halak sounds good but I’ve seen him play once!

-The dude responsible for this mess

by idunno723 on Jun 24, 2009 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions

holy hell

i just realized i haven’t been on this blog in like two weeks, weird.

I don't like you Detroit.

by mattman on Jun 24, 2009 4:31 PM PDT reply actions

Halak has potential...

So does Gustavsson. So does Griess. So does…catch my drift?

As much shit as I’ve given Nabby (not as much on the boards, but definately among my Nabby-worshiping friends), he’s still a pretty decent goaltender. Of all those listed above, I still think he gives us the best chance to win RIGHT NOW. Which, I do believe, is the point. So, as far as next year’s goalie is concerned, I’m thinking Nabby is the way to go still.

However, Nabby’s contract is about to expire, and our good goalie prospects are still a few years away most likely. Thus, we need someone who can take over in 2011. I’ve never seen Gustavsson play, except for the YouTube vids, and I’ve only seen Halak play once, when he absolutely owned us…so I don’t have much to go on. But I like what I’ve read about Halak, and given one more year (hopefully one in which Nabby gets less starts…but I’m probably living in fantasy world in that one) to hone his game in, he could be an amazing backup/insurance policy/goalie of the future.

So, for the question for “who would you rather have” I have to say Nabby for this year, Halak for the future…but really, can’t we have both?

Sometimes the impossible can become possible if you're AWESOME!

by ZeroIndulgence on Jun 24, 2009 8:33 PM PDT reply actions

we don't want to get rid of nabby,

unless we are getting a no-brainer type of guy if you think thats halak then do it i don’t think it is but nobody really knows. My point is this is a huge expiring contract that everybody wants (including us) so we should bargain with it accordingly.

I don't like you Detroit.

by mattman on Jun 24, 2009 8:52 PM PDT reply actions