Senators/Sharks as trade partners....
From Bruce Garrioch's article yesterday for the Ottawa Sun:
The Senators would like to clear up the crowded crease before the draft if it's at all possible. After signing Hammond to the extension, the talk is Murray has been fielding calls on Craig Anderson and Robin Lehner with significant interest in both. "Five or six teams have called and there has been some discussion and there will continue to be. We'll see what comes of it," Murray said. It's believed the Edmonton Oilers, Buffalo Sabres and San Jose Sharks are among the teams looking for goalies.
Now, the Senators may have a crowded crease simply by numbers, but I’m not buying into all the propaganda they're selling about all of their goaltenders being the next great NHL starter. They have one legitimate starter – Craig Anderson. If the Senators want to trade him away to the Sharks I’m all ears, but don’t throw your unproven nonsense over here.
Andrew Hammond had a great run, got a great deal out of it, and I’ll admit I was rooting for him. It was a great story, but it doesn’t mean he’s going to be anything more than a highly paid AHL backup. I wouldn’t even trade John Scott’s negotiating rights for him. As for Lehner, well, what did he prove to be a legitimate starter? Nothing, and now he has an injury history to tow behind him. No Thanks.
It should be Anderson or hang up the phone for Doug Wilson if he’s talking to the Ottawa Senators.
In saying all of that, even Anderson comes down to price. He’s 34 years old, so he doesn’t have much time left in him, but he’d be good for the remainder of Thornton/Marleau’s current contract. Really, I guess what I’m saying is that the Sharks and Senators aren’t going to be a good trade partner for a goaltender unless Ottawa wants to give away Craig Anderson for peanuts.
Other Notes:
A new name in the Sharks coaching search.....
Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet 960 (via Today’s Slapshot)
“Another name I heard they’ve been talking to out there is Dave Quinn, who’s the coach of Boston University.… (Today’s Slapshot)
Ron Hextall started the bargain hunting by inking Dave Hakstol from North Dakota, and it was only a matter of time before someone kept up the search for the next great head coach. There are talented coaches all over the place - they just need a chance to break into the league. I’m all for these fresh faces to replace the out-dated veterans like Randy Carlyle.
With Ken Hitchcock re-upping in St Louis for a single season it takes yet another name off the list of potentials for San Jose.
Chartier and the Rockets demolish Rimouski.....
Rourke Chartier got on the sheet last night against Rimouski with two helpers and the Rockets dummied the Oceanic. The Rockets are stacked and they’re going to give Oshawa a run for their money tonight after getting in a groove against Rimouski last night.
If you're not watching the Memorial Cup, and have the option, you're missing out. It's fantastic hockey.
Thanks for reading.