2-on-1: Goalies On the Block

Every Monday during the season two of our hockey writers will debate one topic. It's the 2-on-1. This week, Adam Gretz and Chris Botta talk about potential landing spots for the numerous goaltenders that could be on the trade block.

Adam Gretz: Well, Chris, you reported earlier this week that Florida is willing to listen to offers for goaltender Tomas Vokoun, so that seems like a natural place to start. I'm actually watching the Panthers right now and Vokoun is getting absolutely peppered with shots and he's keeping them in the game. I think he's been one of the most underrated players (not just goaltenders) in the league for quite a while now, and he probably doesn't get the attention he might deserve because he's spent his entire career playing in Nashville and Florida. I think on the right team he could be the difference between a deep run into the playoffs and a first-round exit.

"If you're (Kings GM) Dean Lombardi and you've already added a big-ticket veteran like Ryan Smyth who's done well, you can't let goaltending spoil your season. So yes, the Kings could be a possibility."
-- Christopher Botta on the Trade Market for Goalies Taking a quick look around the NHL a team that makes me open my eyes is Los Angeles. This is a team that can make the playoffs right now, but they currently rank 28th in save percentage (only Carolina and Toronto are worse). A guy like Vokoun could be enormous for them.

There's only one big problem with them as a potential spot: Jonathan Bernier is absolutely dominating the American Hockey League right now. Do you (the Kings) want to give up assets (a lot, probably) to bring in a goaltender that's signed through next season when you have a stud prospect that appears to be getting close to the NHL?

Chris Botta: The Kings may not be built to win a Stanley Cup this year, but they do have to make the playoffs and take a big step forward after being out of the league for a while. If you're Dean Lombardi and you've already added a big-ticket veteran like Ryan Smyth who's done well, you can't let goaltending spoil your season. So yes, the Kings could be a possibility.

To clarify, Florida is not just willing to listen to offers. I'm sure they like Vokoun, but if they can move his contract they will.

The Kings are a good example, Adam, exactly because they might be one of the last teams you'd expect. A lot will happen between now and the March 3 trade deadline. The pressure will also be increased. People might look at Jonathan Quick challenging for an Olympic spot and not see the need, but a lot of times these trades are surprises.

Adam Gretz: Philadelphia seems like another potential spot. The Flyers have been searching for a franchise goaltender for what seems like an eternity, and have been attempting to win with a revolving door of mediocrity between the pipes year after year. Plus, right now, they're headed in the wrong direction losing 10 of their past 12. If there's a team that entered the season with the hopes of contending for the Stanley Cup and could use an upgrade in net, it's Philadelphia. It seems something could be up with them as it was reported that there were 16 scouts from 14 different teams in attendance against Ottawa Thursday night.

Any other teams that could be in play here?

Chris Botta: As I wrote in the Vokoun article, the $6 million he'll make next season presents big problems for a lot of teams. Anaheim would move Jean-Sebastian Giguere in a second, but he's due $7 million next year. Teams in need of goalies are going to have to set their sights lower on the salary scale. That's what makes Martin Biron at $1.4 million for this season only attractive on the market. Manny Legace could be a bargain basement backup.

Right now the market's just not strong, Adam. There's no pressing need, except maybe in Philadelphia as the losses pile up. I believe it's all going to come down to injuries in the second half. If any of the many 65-game goalies go down for the season, their teams will have to pay the price.

Any other goalies out there you can see becoming available?

Adam Gretz: Jaroslav Halak's name has been mentioned quite a bit recently, and if money is a concern, he certainly makes a lot less than guys like Vokoun and Giguere. Of course, he's not as good as them, either.

I'm going to throw another team into this discussion: the Atlanta Thrashers.

Kari Lehtonen hasn't played a game this season (he's not even skating yet), but he's been very good when he's been on the ice. They have Ondrej Pavelec playing well right now and Johan Hedberg has been having a nice comeback season (he's in the top 10 in goals against average and top five in save percentage). Whenever Lehtonen finally gets back on the ice, they're going to have one too many goalies. Do they make a move? And if so, is it one of the young guys (Lehtonen or Pavelec) or the veteran (Hedberg) that heads out?

I have to say, if I'm a general manager in need of a long-term goaltender, I'd be willing to gamble on Lehtonen if I could get him.

Chris Botta: Lehtonen could be like one of those Major League Baseball pitchers who misses a season and teams take a chance on him, like Mark Prior or Chien-Ming Wang. Although, of course, those usually don't turn out well. Still, someone will give him a chance. The talent is too tantalizing.

Looks like we agree that two or three impact goalies could be traded by March 3. Where they will go, nobody knows

Adam Gretz: It should be interesting to see how this all plays out. If I had to pick one team today that will have a new goaltender on March 4 I'll go with Philadelphia. I know that's not exactly a bold prediction, but expectations are too high and there's too much pressure. They'll make a move.