Islanders’ Al Montoya could be good fit for Canucks No. 2
In the 2005 world junior hockey tournament, Cory Schneider had a long look at how teammate and roommate Al Montoya handled expectation in backstopping the U.S. to within a win of a medal in Grand Forks, N.D.
It could be the other way around next NHL season. But that might be a bit of a stretch, based more on a past link than a pressing present need. Time will tell.
When the Vancouver Canucks finally move Roberto Luongo in an offseason trade scenario, they will need to address various needs and also find more than just a capable backup for Schneider in his new role as the bonafide starter.
They’ll need someone who can step in and play a number of pre-determined games or more if Schneider succumbs to injury or indifferent play. They’ll need someone who can support the starter and who won’t wilt under the glare of the media spotlight.
In time, that goalie will be Eddie Lack. For now, it could be Montoya. Or it could someone else.
The right unrestricted free agent may provide what the Canucks are seeking because of what the Presidents’ Trophy winners and the St. Louis Blues proved last season.
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BREAKING NEWS: TSN IS REPORTING: THE MINNESOTA WILD HAVE SIGNED BOTH ZACK PARISE AND RYAN SUTER BOTH TO 13 YEAR CONTRACTS!
Wow atta boy Chuck. Impressive haul Minnesota just owned Detroit.
I guess there’s two ways to look at Backstrom now. Is he more available now? Or is he more valuable now because the team could be much better next year why risk it on question marks in net?
I would love For Burke to make a play for Backstrom.
Blaze: I would trade him right away, then try and get Bernier.
13 years… Can’t believe it. Parisé at 7,5m$ per year is border line. But Suter? I mean, the guy is now the most paid d-man at 7.538,461.54$ per. I mean, don’t get me wrong, he is a great d-man, complete and reliable but a Bobby Orr he is not.
Still can’t believe those numbers. This CBA negociation is going to shit. No hockey next season. I called it first.
I am a huge Predators fan…And yes, he is no bobby Orr. But his presence allows the defenceman around him to be bobby Orr, in this case Daniel Brodin.
Weber won’t be the same without him…guaranteed. I value him that highly.
This team is close go contending. Great choice by Paris and Suter.
I suspect Suter will have a tough transition at the same time. The two of them were just perfect for each other. A lot of people like to talk about which one was or is better, but I think they made each other better. Both will have to distinguish their game apart from each other now.
But Suter will be a great role model for Brodin.
I said this earlier, his former D partner in college was Tom Gilbert, now likely his new D partner in Minny.
Minnesota has done a great job rebuilding their team in the past few years. Adding Parise and Suter is going to be gigantic.
You overpay in free agency. It’s a reality and inherent part of it. Expecting not too is folly.
So yes Parise/Suter may be overpaid by a bit but they give Minnesota two elite players to work with.
Parise is now the best forward on the team. He fits into the style they play and a two-way line of Koivu and him is insane. Add in Granlund/Heatley/Coyle/Zucker and you have a young forward core with a lot of potential.
Suter gives them a top line dman to work with as well. He’s calm and can settle down the defense in front of Backstrom/Harding. He also gives them a PP dman to work with, something they needed.
Minnesota is setting themselves up to perrenial contenders. Chuck Fletcher is a boss.
Suter and Brodin will be great to watch.
with whom are you trying to send this message to Josh? lol
Explain it how you want; a 13 year GUARANTEED contract for that amount of money is downright foolish. No matter what the team’s need OR the player. That’s right, i said that. You can’t unread it.
EVEN if Suter were as good or productive as Orr, Doughty, Karlsson, etc.. As far as i’m concerned, no one has a special crystal ball. Just ask Garth Snow….
The only thing i would partially agree with you is this: nice play by Fletcher in luring the two in. Parise was a semi-lock since he’s from that region but Suter? Never saw that one coming. Although, here’s a quick question: Who would you put favorite to win the Cup, Detroit or Minnesota? I think the answer is pretty obvious. So, did Suter prostitute himself for 8M$ since Detroit offered 90M? Could be. At least that’s my worthless opinion.
However, i am pretty freakin’ far from perfect and I could be wrong. Detroit could have upped their offer at the last minute to match Minnesota’s and Suter would’ve turned it down because of a solid sales pitch by Fletcher…. You never know 😉
Now Minnesota rivals Vancouver for best in that division… don’t think Vancouver does so well this season onward.
Calgary better make some good moves or they’ll be burying themselves for the next decade.
To add to your point…the Wild are only worth $200mill….and they just paid that out. I don’t get the numbers of the league….I think Parise and Suter were looking at Lemieux and thinking they’ll end up owning the team.
I chuckle at this BS cause Leipold was one of the owners, when he was with Nashville, who vowed in 2005 to lock out the players, indefinitely.
And now he gives up 196 million just like that.
Serious? what a joke.
I want GRANLUND. Too bad he’s off Burke’s radar…
Meh. They should just hold on to Luongo and let him play 40 games then sit him out of the playoffs… They’re not moving him unless it’s a team desperate for goalies, besides Toronto.
i think Vancouver should throw an offer out there to Shane Doan. He’d be a great fit. He’s a true leader, a strong character player, plus he has skill.
He’s the kind of player the Nucks need.
He would look good in Van but would look much better on a team like St.Louis or San Jose.
Btw in regards to this article, Montoya signed with the jets.
And they’re saying Carle to tb