It's almost become worthy of a carnival freakshow - purusing NHL headlines on TSN everyday makes one wonder what odd, grotesque or disturbing bit of news will pop up next. For instance:
- The latest menage-et-trade between Ottawa, Chicago and San Jose yielded more than one headscratcher. The deal went like this - Chicago traded Mark Bell to San Jose for Tom Priessing and Josh Hennessy (a prospect), who then turned around and flipped those players in a package (plus another prospect and a pick) to Ottawa for a return of Martin Havlat and Brian Smolinski.
First oddity - why is San Jose trading defensemen? As of right now they have 3 under contract: youngster Matt Carle, Scott Hannan and Kyle McLaren. At least with Priessing they had a relatively comfortable top 4 on the back-end. Now? Three guys left and a waning UFA list. While the Sharks still have a tradable asset in Nabokov to move for some help on the blueline, the market doesn't seem to be working in their favor currently - quality defensemen are the hottest thing going (see contracts for: Chara, Jovo, Redden, Kubina, Corvo, Johnsson, etc.) while there's more "supply" than "demand" for goaltenders (Just ask Manny Legace). So while Mark Bell might help the Shark's secondary attack, I'm not sure it was worth trimming an already thin defense corps. to land him.
Second oddity - There are reports that Martin Havlat has signed a 3 year, $18 million deal with the Hawks. Let's be clear here - Havlat has tremendous offensive upside and is an exciting young sniper...but, come on, 6 big bills per season!! For Havlat!? He's never played more than 72 games in a year and has never scored more than 31 goals! How he manages to garner franchise player type money is beyond me.
And I guess we can surmise that winning and/or playing in a quality organization were NOT the things Havlat was going to pursue in what would have been his UFA summer next year. His reluctance to make a longer-term commitment coupled with his absurd Blackhawkian-pay-day make this deal intelligible from a Senator standpoint. With players like Spezza, Alfreddson, Heatley and Redden already on the roster, shedding Havlat's injury-prone-money-grubbing-opponent-kicking ass makes a lot of sense. In addition, Ottawa got the Hawks to take on Smolinski's useless presence (and salary figure) in the deal as well. Not to mention getting a young up-and-comer like Priessing to boot.
Score. At least SOMEONE'S doing something right.
- The glut of goaltenders on the market notwithstanding, it's probably tough for some people to comprehend how Manny Legace hasn't been aggressively pursued yet. His stats from last season are stellar: 2.19 GAA (good for 3rd in the league), 0.915 SP (8th) had 7 shut-outs and a 37-8-3-7 record. Granted, one has to consider that Legace played for the best regular season team in the league, in the weakest division. However, in the last 4 seasons with the Red Wings, Legace's SP has never been lower than 0.911 and his GAA has never plunged below 2.42. In the last 2 seasons, Legace has played 92 games (5, 230 minues) and has lost only 18 of them (in regulation). Surely, Manny deserves a moderate amount of credit for numbers this impressive - team and division aside. At 33 years old he must be worth, at the very LEAST, a one year go 'round. Especially when ancient fossils like Hasek, Belfour and Roloson are still haunting the league's creases.
So what's wrong with Manny? It can't be simply the strong team/weak division issue. Well, if this article is to be believed, it was Legace's play-off performance that dissuaded the Red Wings from signing him (and, therefore, anyone else as well). While Legace was less than Stellar this past April, the team in front of him was decidedly less than good as well...which makes me think it's MORE than just a shakey 7 games that is keeping GM's away from the Legace Well - keep in mind that JFJ decided to trade for Andrew Raycroft: a deal that won him probably the worst tender in the NHL last season AND cost him a top-notch propsect in Rask.
Aside from JFJ's incompetence, there's gotta more to it. On the face of it, the decision to do that deal for Raycroft when Legace could have been had for nothing looks absurd to even the most mentally challenged hockey fan...
I think one of the best clues as to why ML has become a social pariah can be found in this post from Abel to Yzerman, aptly dubbed "Out of the Mouth of Legace". Anyone who followed the Red Wings/Oilers (or read the above blog during that time) can probably attest to the very public and almost juvenile mental collapse of Legace during the series. "I feel like going out and hanging myself" was Manny's response to being upset in game 7. Hmmm...not the kind of thing that inspires confidence in a teammate. Kinda sounds like the twitchy, anxious, bound-to-die character that inhabits most action/horror flicks - you know, like Bill Paxton's sissy-army-guy from Aliens: "Game over man! GAME OVER!!"
A later post from Abel to Yzerman says as much: it wasn't Legace's play that soured his teammates and coaches on him - it was his attitude. And sadly for Manny THAT may be a lot harder thing for prospective employers to get over than, say, a season of bad stats...
- On a somewhat related note, there's indications that Ken Holland is getting ready to sign Ed Belfour. Let's see...very old, very injury prone and coming off a very bad year. Uh...with options like JS Giguere and Nabokov to be had via trade one has to wonder what Holland is thinking. Didn't he take note of the Hasek/Ottawa fiasco? It's a move so baffling and idiotic, from what seems to be a sensible GM, it almost smacks of some shady, "blackmaily"-type dealings. Does Belfour have some Holland+five iron+goat pictures in his possession? Or maybe Eddie simply bribed Ken with an offer he couldn't refuse? Whatever the reason, Im fairly certain that the Eagle (should he definitively land in Detroit) will prove to be the Red Wings undoing next season.
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9 comments:
Sadly, I did not see myself defending JFJ or the Maple Leafs from attacks no matter what weird scenario, but now I feel that I must address your unfair treatment of the Andrew Raycroft deal.
True enough JFJ did let top prospect Rask go, but let’s not forget that the Leafs have the best junior goalie in the world waiting in the wings in young Justin Pogie, and as for Raycroft, well he had an abysmal season, there is no denying that, but here is a bit about him that most people have forgot;
Raycroft, is a former Calder Trophy winner.
He is only 26 years old.
He only makes 1.8 Million next year.
The last time he played more than 30 games (03-04) he had a 2.05 GAA and a .926 SV%.
Now I am not saying that he is the greatest goaltender in the league, nor am I saying that he doesn’t need a lot of work. What I am saying is that the kid has talent, and although JFJ is a moron, even he can see that. As starting goalies go, he comes pretty cheap, and if he can return to the form he had a couple of years ago, he will be the steal of the FA period.
So when you say that JFJ chose not to take on a proven playoff nutjob in favor of possibly the worst goaltender in the league, it might not be all that accurate. Especially when you consider that Ty Conklin is still in the league somewhere…
Not to get all lawyerly, but I said Raycroft was the worst in the league last season...which he was, according to GAA (3.71, 47th in the league) AND SP% (.879, 47 in the league).
Even Craig Anderson, a little known back-up from the Chicago Blackhawk posted superior numbers to that in 29 GP last year. And he played on an even WORSE team than Raycroft did. Other goalies who were better? Peter Budaj (34 GP, 2.86 GAA, .900 %), Curtis Sanford (34 GP 2.73, .908 %) and teammate Tim Thomas (38 GP, 2.77 GAA, .919 %).
So While Raycroft is a former Calder winner his fall from grace was indeed a precipitous plummet. Yeah he's young and cheap, but he's also a HUGE GAMBLE. And your #1 goalie isn't the kind of position you should making this sort of gamble on. Especially when there are probably better options available...
I can see it being a risk picking up a goalie that has fallen from grace, it is a trend that all GM's have done. While sometimes it doesn't work in one's favour (Joseph), sometimes it definitely does (Roloson, Kipprusoff). PLUS getting an experienced, young, cheap goaltender is definitely a premium.
With the amount of money JFJ is saving seeing that Raycroft had an off year (he is hoping it is just an 'off' year), gaining a tender that is a local, and having alot of upside (at least talent) going forward, this seems like a fit - especially considering how much money he is flushing on McCabe, Kaberle, Gill and Kubina.
Now...is it a Jim Carey? or a Patrick Roy? If all else fails, in three years they have Pogge.
Anyway you look at it, it is the same move as the avs jumping on Theodore, which mirrors the move when they picked up Roy. Hell, even Hasek started as Belfour's backup in Chicago. This isn't the oddity one would believe. JFJ thinks he got a starter at the lowest of his market value. It also doesn't consider the political climate getting an toronto local as his tender.
Now, if JFJ is wrong, he has an expensive backup, or young trade bait. And JFJ is usually wrong. Hell it could be worse, you could be spending Markus Naslund dollars on MARTIN HAVLAT.
PLUS getting an experienced, young, cheap goaltender is definitely a premium
only if the goaltender in question is good, ie; can get the job done. As mentioned in my comment above, that is a big IF with Raycroft right now.
gaining a tender that is a local
This point is completely moot. If he has a bad season, Raycroft will be run out on a rail whether he's Torontonian or not.
going forward, this seems like a fit - especially considering how much money he is flushing on McCabe, Kaberle, Gill and Kubina
or it could more likely be the compounding of several mistakes.
it is the same move as the avs jumping on Theodore
which may also be a horrible mistake.
which mirrors the move when they picked up Roy
Comparing Roy, and where he was at when he got traded to the Avs, to Raycroft and where he is now in his career, is a fallacy. Roy demanded a trade from Montreal after being thrown under the bus. Raycroft fell to a 3rd stringer in Boston and was eagerly dealt in the off-season. The level of risk in each transaction is not comparable.
This isn't the oddity one would believe.
I never really said it was odd. I just said it was dumb. With players like Marc Denis, Martin Biron, Vesa Toskala,or, hell Manny Legace, I think there were probably better options out there to be had.
It also doesn't consider the political climate getting an toronto local as his tender
again, whether the locals like the fact he's a native Torontonian won't matter if Raycroft is letting 3.5 GPG again. It'll still be a disaster.
or young trade bait
doubtful. If Raycroft shits the bed again he'll be pretty worthless. 4th round draft pick anyone?
Now, if JFJ is wrong, he has an expensive backup...
Actually, it's more than that. If JFJ is wrong, his team will be rapidly snowed under by the stiff competition in their division and will likely miss another play-offs. Which would equate to his head on the chopping block.
Hell it could be worse, you could be spending Markus Naslund dollars on MARTIN HAVLAT
No arguement here.
Obviously JFJ sees more potential in Raycroft after a shakey season than we critics. I would presume to think that seeing Raycroft multiple times per year versus the leafs suggests that his talent supersedes his unimpressive last season numbers, at least to JFJ...
How much is JFJ risking here? More than Chicago signing Khabibulin for 6 million+ per year? Khabibulin had a great season followed up with injury and mediocrity.
I don't believe that Raycroft's origin is of little value. As much as we hate the Leafers, some players are fanatic about the opportunity to play there. I suspect that this is one of the reasons why they picked up Raycroft, is that he WANTS to be there. You can't disregard the human element here. The new NHL has brought up the theme of 'quality of life' versus 'big payday', thus why everyone wants out of Edmonton, and more players are voicing their desires to play in places like Toronto.
I don't think that JFJ had much of an opportunity to gain another tender, and he obviously doesn't want to mortgage the youth on his team for an expensive tender. Biron, Toskala and Nabokov are only available via trade, and then Toronto has the problem of resigning them. If JFJ wouldn't let go of Steen for Pronger, why would he do it for one-year-wonder Toskala? Shades-of-Khabibulin Nabokov? Expensive-return-Denis? Raycroft wasn't dealt, he signed as a UFA. Basing Raycroft's worthlessness after season 2 of 2 is way too premature.
Lets look at the other 'availables' that Toronto could have had
1) Dwayne Roloson: 36 years old, 3 million plus per year....it would fit with Toronto's theme of bringing on Geezers, but this is retarded.
2) Martin Gerber: 32, 2 losing records in anahiem before a good one in 2006...is this the model of consitency? seems just as risky. Didn't even take them through the playoffs....$3 million+
3) Vesa Toskala: 29, had one solid season as a shark. Hasn't proven he can be a #1 based on a split season with Nabokov. No trophies, and retarded play in the playoffs makes you wonder about his head game.
4) Martin Biron: had a great streak this year, and suffered as a result of Ryan Miller's stellar play. BUT, if JFJ went after Biron, it would be at his HIGHEST market value, and as a trade. Asking price is wayy to high.
5) Garon? most likely the same money, but would you say he is better than Raycroft?
Don't even get me started on Nabokov's 5 million dollar salary
Comparing the situation to Roy's is only on the basis of re-birth. Roy wanted a change, Raycroft needs a change. At least that's what they are hoping.
This has been the year of rebirth, look at Huet, look at Roloson, hell look at Boston's own Tim Thomas. I don't see why it would be extremely risky to think that a tender who has shown more talent than all three of those guys combined, why can't he shake off a lousy season? Great talents this year have done it too, Jagr, Selanne....wasn't Selanne a former Calder winner too?
Speaking of teams making mistakes regarding player Personnel, I don't know whose karma is worse...boston's or toronto.
As a whole, I think this is one of the better moves for Toronto in the FA market. It shows that they are trying to refocus on Youth instead of aged-stars, like Belfour before him (who actually did quite well in T-dot). JFJ managed to achieve both goals cheaply: A young tender with accolades, and hype that the Leaf fans want...
Actually, it's more than that. If JFJ is wrong, his team will be rapidly snowed under by the stiff competition in their division and will likely miss another play-offs. Which would equate to his head on the chopping block.
At least HNC will be much more entertaining with the Leafs losing every Saturday night :D
Oops, I forgot that Raask was let go for him....DAMN TSN! DAMN YOU STRAIGHT TO EDMONTON!!!
Either way, Raask had to go. Pogge's their guy, and two talented 1st rounders clogging the system does not work. Especially since they are both 3 years away.
Raycroft's trial is easy. 3 years and then gone, or resigned. Either way Pogge's in the wings....
(Sigh)...I guess I have to respond to this...
How much is JFJ risking here?
As mentioned above, he's risking HIS JOB.
The Khabibulin comparison is a straw man. No one brought up the Khabibulin signing as point of comparison. The issue here is - JFJ trading a top prospect for what was the worst tender in the league last season, in the (probably vain) hope he can once again become a #1. My contention is that this was a BAD CHOICE.
While we're on the subject, Raycroft wasn't a UFA signing, he was acquired through trade(for Rask). Legace could have been had for nothing, for instance.
Comparing the situation to Roy's is only on the basis of re-birth
yes, but it was illegitimate in that the possiblity of re-birth was much higher in the former situation as compared to the latter. It's like betting on whether it'll rain sometime next week versus whether you'll get struck by lightning during the storm. Also, if JFJ is banking on "re-birth" then why the hell doesn't he just roll the dice with someone like Boucher?? He's an UFA, cheap and owns the longest shut-out string in history...
why can't he shake off a lousy season?
Because he's only had one GOOD season prior. And he didn't just have a "lousy season". He had a HORRENDOUS season. As for Selanne...Teemu won the calder by setting records and then went on to have other great seasons before he as hobbled by injury. And even then the Ducks signed him to a cheap, 1 year contract as a UFA. And also, Selanne is a RIGHT WINGER...not a starting goalie, the most important position on the team. His re-birth was impressive - does it mean Raycroft is in line for one himself?? No. Are the situations at all comparable? Nope.
You're bringing stuff up that is only remotely connected to the circumstances in question. You're stretching analogies to fit your arguement.
In the end, the issue is - JFJ betting all the marbles on one spin of the roulette wheel. If Raycroft SOMEHOW manages to rebound (and rebound BIG) from his season last year, then it'll be worth it. However, playing behind a rebuilding Toronto Maple Leafs in the pressure cooker that is the Toronto Media, it's going to be a huge challenge. There is an upside, sure. But is the associated risk worth it? Wouldn't it have been worth ignoring say, Hal Gill, and paying a bit more for someone who wasn't the worst in the league last year?? I guess we'll see.
Analogies fit because they do relate to the current situation. Raycroft is not in the bottom of the barrel for one lousy season, oppositely he is considered one of the leagues brightest young talents based on the season he HAS had.
You aren't considering that Raycroft played most of last season injured (like Selanne in the poor season), played on a team that traded away the leagues Hart Trophy winnter, and celebrated a 35 year old goalie over their franchise talent. Reports from staff and other players say this messed with him, and understandably so.
You have also ignored the fact that they already have a prospect in the the pipeline, and their isn't room for two.
Do you think that they could have gotten Denis, Biron or another comparable tender for Rask?
JFJ didn't want to risk a roster player, and demonstrated that by his other FA signings, and reluctance in the Pronger deal. His signing fits his longterm strategy for the team, injecting youth and development over flashy, expensive FA signings.
You can base Raycroft's value on an injury plagued season, with a poor record.
Alternatively, you can base his value on the 29 wins he had the season before, at possibly his lowest market value ever. He could "Turek", or he could "Kipprusoff". Either way, he didn't pay alot for the opportunity.
The leafs are getting younger, and that is evident in the signing of Maurice, holding onto talents like Wellwood, Steen and Stajan, and now giving them a future backbone in Raycroft.
JFJ didn't leave him alone, either, signing McCabe and Kaberle to long term deals, and picking up Kuba and Gill give Raycroft time to get back in his game with a solid core in front of him.
This doesn't seems like a spin of the roulette wheel at all. It seems quite calculated, actually.
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