NHL Goaltender News: July 1
There has been quite a bit of goalie talk within the last 48-hours. The first major talks started when the Vancouver Canucks mad a trade at the NHL Draft. They raded goaltender Cory Schneider for the 9th overall pick in the draft, where they picked up Bo Horvat of the London Knights. Next was legend Martin Brodeur’s son, Anthony Brodeur, getting drafted in the final round by the New Jersey Devils. Today, we learned that Sergei Bobrovsky of the Columbus Blue Jackets signed a new deal, and there is talk of Tim Thomas returning to the league.
May 7, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks left wing T.J. Galiardi (21) shoots the puck against Vancouver Canucks goalie Cory Schneider (35) during the overtime period in game four of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at HP Pavilion. The San Jose Sharks defeated the Vancouver Canucks 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Let’s start with Schneider-Horvat trade. The first thing I thought was, “Really? Schneider for a draft pick? Not Luongo?” Everyone was surprised by this, and Vancouver making it clear that Luongo is still their number one goaltender. I wasn’t too upset when the Canucks chose Bo Horvat. I had the privilege of watching him play when I wrote for the Plymouth Whalers. I went to a few games where they played London, and he, along with the others drafted from London, are well-skilled on the ice. It’s a sort of magic that the team produces. Do I think the trade was right? It’s hard to compare, but since Horvat isn’t as skilled in the league yet, I’m going to say no. Vancouver really messed up.
It was a big day for the Brodeur family when Martin’s son, who of course is a goaltender, was drafted by the New Jersey Devils. The team decided to pick him in the final round of the draft. This being after Schneider became a Devil, means he will not be sitting on the bench during the season watching his dad from the bench. His skill will be used in the AHL where he will be proving himself to the New Jersey Devils for when his father retires. Will he be like Marty? I doubt it, it’s hard to match that skill level, but he sure can try.
Apr 25, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) faces the Dallas Stars attack during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Blue Jackets defeated the Stars 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sergei Bobrovsky signed a two-year contract extension with the Blue Jackets today. The deal is worth close to $6 million, and this is great news for the team. With great leadership from him, this could lead to a playoff berth next season, which I think a lot of hockey fans want to see. Last time they made the playoffs was in 2008, where the Stanley Cup Champions the Detroit Red Wings would sweep them in the first round. This is probably the best thing Columbus could have done, and maybe at the end of the contract, he will most likely re-sign, if the team does as well as they hope.
Last but not least, it is said that Tim Thomas is looking to come back into the NHL. The two-time Vezina Trophy winner and 2011 Conn Smythe recipient took a year off from the game. Here’s where it gets tricky. The New York Islanders own his contract, which is up at the free agency. Will he join free agency like former teammate Nathan Horton or agree to stay with the Islanders? I think he could help the Isles a lot. They need strong goaltending, and Tim Thomas is just the type of goalie to pull it off.
That’s it for goaltender news, thanks for stopping by. Let me know what you think on each topic above. Comment below or tweet me your opinion @NardoneDylan. Please follow our website’s Twitter @TMMotS. Thank you for reading.