|
Gauthier Trades Halak to Blues, Commits to Price and Salary Space |
|
|
|
|
|
"To protect clients rights, promote their interests and maximize their compensation." Those are the words that accompany Octagon Agent, Allan Walsh's twitter account profile. Not to be mistaken with: "Offering hometown discounts, because I'm a nice guy."
The motivation behind the decision Pierre Gauthier and the Canadiens took to trade Jaroslav Halak is multifaceted, but can simply be seen as a financial one given the team's current standing in relation to the cap.
Though it was an unpopular decision--something Pierre Gauthier was more than aware of before pulling the trigger-- certain fans refuse to grasp the reality that the money it would've taken to sign Halak wouldn't have been available to improve other areas of the Canadiens that desperately need improving. And after seeing the return in the deal for Halak, those same people are incensed, feeling the Canadiens didn't acquire pieces that help solve the current puzzle in Montreal. We'll come back to that a little later.
In assessing the facts, Pierre Gauthier had two rfa goaltenders, both of whom possess great talent, experience and the potential to be the starting goalie for their respective teams. While Halak became the darling of Montreal this season, and more specifically this post-season, there isn't some incredible talent or experience discrepancy between the two. Where there is a discrepancy, it can be found in what either would be awarded on a contract extension. There's a discrepancy between their ages. There is a discrepancy in the fact that Halak would be set to become unrestricted two years before Price.
But there are more similarities than there are differences. The emotional outrage over Halak being traded after he walked on water in the post-season isn't likely to subside, and the other edge of that sword is pointed at Carey Price, who's season could be seen in stark contrast to Halak's. But as Pierre Gauthier said yesterday, "It's about the big picture."
The big picture indicates that Carey Price is 22, nearly 2.5 years younger than Halak, and despite the fact that they are at different developmental stages of their careers, their experience has been largely similar.
Price has 134 games of NHL experience under his belt. He's won a playoff series with the Canadiens--in a 7th game no less, and his career numbers indicate a 2.73 GAA, a .912 SA% and 4 shutouts. Halak has 101 games of NHL experience, two series wins in his pocket in which he was undoubtedly the hero, boasts a 2.62 GAA, a .919 SA% and 9 shutouts. Both received acclaim for successful junior and international careers, and both were tremendous successes at the AHL level. One is big, the other small.
Though some Canadiens fans cringe over their freshest memories of Price, and sob over the fact that now, all that remains of Halak is their memory of his brilliance throughout this past season, Pierre Gauthier's decision was made with a semblance of both of their careers to date, an eye towards the future, and the need to make this team better in other areas.
Laughable, is the suggestion that Gauthier's admission he never inquired with Halak's agent regarding the player's salary demands indicate he never knew Jaro's true value. Gauthier's comments--an insight into the business of an NHL GM-- should be applauded for their honest nature. Halak was eligible for arbitration and likely headed in that direction, and the Canadiens were well aware of what it would cost them to avoid that situation. Whether it was as low as 3.5 million (we all know it wasn't) or as high as 6 million, whether it was 1 or 2 years in arbitration, or 4-6 years on a deal that would've avoided it, the Canadiens weren't going to pay it in light of the money they need to spend at forward, the money already counting against the cap and the other option they could exercise in Carey Price.
As for the return, there are several reasons the Canadiens didn't obtain a name-player for Halak. Be it because there are other good goalies available on the market, because the trade was made early in the offseason, because he was unsigned, because the Canadiens weren't interested in taking back salary, or because they needed to move him.
The Canadiens did obtain two solid prospects in Lars Eller and Ian Schultz. By all accounts, Eller has the potential to be a top 6 forward, who figures into NHL plans for next season. Shultz is having a promising junior career, and brings a size element that clubs are always looking to add to the picture. Whether either player turns out to influence how the Canadiens will fare over the coming years remains undetermined, but the trade, from all angles, was made in the lens of how to succeed in this salary cap world even if it means making unpopular decisions.
Halak is the perfect example. At 800,000$, Halak had as good of a season as any other goalie in the league, and a better post-season than anyone. At 800,000$, Halak gave the Canadiens the opportunity to spend big money on players like Mike Cammalleri and Brian Gionta. Every team needs high-octane, highly paid stars, but more crucial is the performance of a low-paid player who plays like a high-octane star.
In moving Halak, the Canadiens aren't asking themselves what they'll be missing, they are hoping they get star-play out of a Carey Price they won't have to pay very much. They are hoping Lars Eller can come in and be a positive addition without costing the team very much. They are hoping the money they freed by not paying Halak can be spent on depth at forward and a back-up goalie that can best support Price.
****************
I sympathize with those who are outraged about the team moving Halak. No matter what the cost of getting him signed would've been, many, if given the opportunity to wear Pierre Gauthier's shoes for a day, would've paid it blindly.
I said to a friend yesterday "I don't think Halak will ever be better than he was this season. Not to say he won't be as good, but he'll never be better."
That friend responded smartly: "What else do you need? How much better does he have to be? He was good enough," and to that there is no counterpoint.
Looking towards the future, Carey Price's mission to inspire the same confidence took on new meaning yesterday. He has shown signs of brilliance in his 3 NHL seasons, and other signs that he took his position for granted. But my belief is that the experience he's gained (equal to that of Halak, or any other player that's 4 or 5 years his senior) will push him over the edge of success. His talent is undeniable, and the pressure he's sustained on the hockey world's largest stage will only help him deal with what's to come. I sincerely believe, and have said this on the radio, written it on this blog, and told it to many friends, that when Carey Price is Halak's age he will be just as good if not better than Halak was for the Canadiens this season. He might even be that a year ahead of schedule if the Canadiens are lucky...
**************
With the goaltending situation sorted, I expect to hear that Tomas Plekanec has come to terms with the Canadiens in the next few days. It would be a great surprise to me if the Canadiens let him go to market given how hard he would be to replace. But if he remains unsigned by the draft, Pierre Gauthier may have some more trade plans on the burner.
Stay tuned...
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»