Next Step: Acquiring a Back-Up

So I would take it that Glen Sather's next task on his agenda is to make a move for a replacement back-up netminder with Steve Valiquette being waived yesterday afternoon. John Tortorella claims that if he passes through waivers and makes it to the Hartford Wolf Pack, Vally will look to regain his game and move on from there. I do not buy that for a second and I believe that it was done to rid themselves of the sinking goaltender.

There is a rumor swirling around that the Toronto Maple Leafs have a great amount of interest in Valiquette, which would make sense for General Manager Brian Burke. Right now, Vesa Toskala is out with an injury, Jonas Gustavsson was pulled from a game and brought to a hospital for high blood pressure on Tuesday night, leaving them with former Islander Joe MacDonald as their current starter. Clearly they are handicapped in the goaltending position even before the injuries so bringing in Valiquette at such a cheap price would be reasonable.

Chad Johnson was sharp in the preseason, but like I said, he needs more time in the AHL to develop. This kid has a very bright future ahead of him in the National Hockey League and the process should not be rushed. That being said, if Valiquette is claimed off waivers and none of our Hartford goalies are ready just yet, that leaves Glen Sather no choice but to go out and acquire a new reliever for Henrik Lundqvist. Robert Esche and Martin Gerber are two names that come to mind when thinking of available back-ups.

The ideal acquisition would be to get Martin Biron from the Islanders as they will not need him with Rick DiPietro scheduled to return sometime this month and Dwayne Roloson as a more than capable back-up. There are two problems with that, however. The first being that the Rangers and Islanders have only traded with each other about one time in history and the second being that Biron has a cap hit over $1 million, making it difficult for the Blueshirts to fit him on the roster.

I think a move for a veteran goaltender would also help Henrik Lundqvist. He has been shaky lately and that is due in part to lack of rest. Tortorella lost his confidence in Vally, therefore started Hank in more consecutive contests than he could handle. With a capable back-up, Torts will be able to rest Lundqvist against teams like Penguins and the Sharks and still have hope that they can come away with two points on the night.

Valiquette has until around noon today to pass through waivers. Until then, Chad Johnson is technically not allowed to be added to the roster so he will practice with the team on Friday. If/When Valiquette is claimed, I will have it posted right here as well as on twitter.

Back Later.....
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