Jaroslav Halak On The Block
According to the Web Staff over at Sportsnet, the Montreal Canadiens are actively shopping Jaroslav Halak (H/T to crashthecrease.com).
The 24-year-old netminder is 6-4-0 in 11 games, including an impressive 46 save effort against the Ottawa Senators. Earlier in the year the Czech native amassed a four game win streak, an feat when you consider how injury riddled and weak the Montreal defense has been.
A quick look around the league shows a handful of teams needing depth between the pipes. The Flyers lost starter Ray Emery for six weeks leaving their team to the fate of Brian Boucher. The Oilers may have to rely on Jeff Deslauriers longer than they would like while Nikolai Khabibulin sits at home with a bad back. Pascal Leclaire remains on the sidelines as he watches Brian Elliot inconsistently block pucks.
Perhaps the most interesting rumor circulating involves Darren Helm and the Red Wings. As earlier whispered here. Does Halak really offer an upgrade to Jimmy Howard or the legendary Chris Osgood?
A quick look says no.
Even with an improved defense in front of him, I cannot see Halak posting a lower GAA than Howard’s current 2.45. His career GAA sits evenly at 2.80, while Howard’s at 2.56. An argument can be made that Halak has a better career SV%, edging his hypothetical teammate by a meager two points.
Halak certainly would see less shots if he moved teams, but I see the trade as lateral move. Ken Holland earned GM of the decade for a reason, I cannot see him making a move that in all honesty second guesses his drafting and development as well as not filling a glaring need. The Wings need more consistent primary and secondary scoring. You know, the production that left with Marian Hossa, Jiri Hudler, Tomas Kopecky and Mikael Samuelsson.
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed our latest trade rumors feature. You can help NHLHS stay alive by visiting our sponsors to the left.
Follow me on Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates
-Alexander Monaghan
NHLHS Founder
thehotstove@gmail.com
Hey Alexander
I have to respectfully disagree with you there. Halak is an upgrade to Howard. Howard has been on a fairly good run lately but I’m not sold. There are some inherent weaknesses to his game. Detroit wants so bad for him to be the next legit number one. It makes for the easiest solution. However, he remains a poor man’s number one. This is not a slag on the drafting of Red Wings staff. The fact that he made it to the show and has played as many games as he has is testament to the patient and effective development in the Detroit system. Unfortunately, Howard’s game never picked up that elusive top gear that a contending team needs. (see Fleury, Brodeur, Miller, Kipper). Halak may possess this. I’m going to say it now….Halak is the Rodney Dangerfield of NHL goalies. He’s shown time and again that he is #1 material, but for whatever reason Montreal is sold on Price. Likely because they want to justify the 5th overall pick they used on him. Just my opinion, but Halak would shine in Detroit.
I still feel Halak is just a product of the Montreal hype machine. Hope I don’t get crucified for saying that.. :X