2007 UFAs
The goaltenders
| Player | Tm | Record | 2006-07 cap hit | 2007-08 est. price | ||
| 1 | Ana | 36-10-8 | $3.990 | $5.5 - 7 | starter | |
| 2 | Hasek | Det | 38-11-6 | $1.850 | $3.5 - 4.5 | starter |
| 3 | Belfour | Fla | 27-17-10 | $2.480 | $1.7 - 2.2 | starter |
| 4 | Garon | LA | 13-10-6 | $1.216 | $1.7 - 2 | split |
| 5 | Joseph | Phx | 18-31-2 | $2.900 | $1.5 - 2.5 | split |
| 6 | Aebischer | Mon | 13-12-3 | $1.900 | $1.2 - 1.6 | backup |
| 7 | Thibault | Pit | 7-8-2 | $1.500 | $0.8 - 1.2 | backup |
| 8 | Weekes | NYR | 4-6-2 | $1.950 | $0.8 - 1 | backup |
| 9 | Esche | Phi | 5-9-1 | $1.000 | $0.7 - 1.1 | backup |
| 10 | Markkanen | Edm | 5-9-1 | $0.850 | $0.6 - 0.8 | backup |
| 11 | Boucher | Cmb | 2-12-3 | $0.475 | $0.5 - 0.8 | backup |
| 12 | McLennan | Cal | 3-5-1 | $0.625 | $0.5 - 0.7 | backup |
| 13 | MacDonald | Bos | 3-7-2 | $0.500 | $0.5 - 0.6 | backup |
| 14 | Aubin | Tor | 3-5-2 | $0.525 | $0.5 - 0.6 | backup |
I suppose the most important thing to consider when eyeing this list is, who needs a goalie?
In terms of starters, Boston, Columbus, Detroit, Florida, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Toronto could all potentially be in the market. (Not surprisingly, only one of those teams made the postseason last year.)
There are a great deal more teams searching for backups, including some teams like Vancouver where the second netminder will have to pick up janitorial duties on the side to earn his minimum salary.
The bidding for the top-end netminders, whichever ones happen to be available, should work in their favour, although if Giguere and Hasek re-sign with their clubs (as expected), many of the above teams will turn to a trade rather than take a chance on a UFA.
Potential good buys from the lot include Mathieu Garon, who was decent during an injury-plagued campaign in 2006-07, and perhaps Curtis Joseph as a backup in a time-splitting situation. Cujo's return to Toronto, his hometown, has been oft-rumoured this off-season, and would make some sense given he could potentially take the reins from Andrew Raycroft if the youngster faltered.
If Giguere re-signs in Anaheim, suddenly Ilya Bryzgalov looks to be on the move, as does one of the netminders in San Jose. Minnesota would also like to deal Manny Fernandez, meaning we've got three potential No. 1s in play via a trade and zero on the UFA market.
The most important position in hockey isn't going to be an easy one to fill this summer.
Labels: free agency
by James Mirtle @ 12:42 PM
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13 comments
13 Comments:
James,
You ought to put the goalies' SV% to show their true skill. W-L-T records are awfully team dependent.
Joseph would be an awful signing for the Leafs. They need an upgrade in goal, or at least a 1b goalie who is very good. CuJo is no longer very good, and has been one of the worst goalies in the NHL over the post-lockout period.
Now that Backstrom is off the Market, the list of available goalies is really thin on talent. Only Giguere, Hasek, and Aebischer have above-average talent and #1 ability. The rest are all backups at very best.
Anyone want Gerber?
I had no idea how truly terrible Brian Boucher was this year.
You ought to put the goalies' SV% to show their true skill. W-L-T records are awfully team dependent.
I'm assuming those here know the relative skill level of these guys, and I merely want to separate the starters from the backups.
James,
I guess you'd be shocked at how little many fans know.
I did the SV% analysis at my own site, and you can see how thin the market really is. CuJo is certainly not worthy of being considered for any split position.
As for Boucher, he's been terrible for years now. I don't understand why any NHL GM's keep giving him chances. You'd be better off with an AHL veteran.
I take it Ty Conklin is THAT bad to not even be listed.
Safe to say I hope Buffalo doesn't re-sign him.
Jes, could you link to the SV% analysis? I'm curious to see how you tried to remove team effects from that number, as it plays a role there, too.
If Giguere and Hasek re-sign, I think this is officially the weakest ever UFA goaltending pool.
Needless to say, the trade market for goalies is finally going to get hot.
SV% is a better stat than record for skill level, but it's still tricky. I've always wanted to do a way more detailed goaltending stat sheet. I want SCSV% (scoring chance save percentage), stats when the game is tied or within 1 goal either way, point shot %, etc. There are so many potential stat categories that I think could be way more telling.
Aebischer has above average talent?
For what league?
I'd rather sign that Steelback Beer guy.
I don't think Hasek gets more than 1 mil, although, it will probablly be incentive laden like his current deal.
Given the number of starts he had and the record he put up, I can't see Hasek getting any less than $3-million this season, whether that's in salary or easy-to-hit bonuses.
If he is under that figure, he needs a new agent.
Did Burke retire? He's a UFA...
I'd be surprised to see him get another contract.
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