Tyler Cameron: History of goaltenders moving at the trade deadline
There has been a lot of discussion about trading goalies since – well – the Hawks signed Robin Lehner it seems.

The main rationale is that this would be an area of strength to deal from and if the Hawks fell out of the playoff race and/or the right opportunity came Bowman's way either Crawford or Lehner could be dealt.

This chatter picked back up after the Maple Leafs acquired Jack Campbell this week.

So, that got me thinking, how many goalies are moved around the deadline?

First!

Thanks Tyler, this is a really cool blog idea. Certainly seems like Gus remains the biggest trade bait. Still getting over that OT loss to BOS...

Tyler Cameron: History of goaltenders moving at the trade deadline

There has been a lot of discussion about trading goalies since – well – the Hawks signed Robin Lehner it seems.

The main rationale is that this would be an area of strength to deal from and if the Hawks fell out of the playoff race and/or the right opportunity came Bowman's way either Crawford or Lehner could be dealt.

This chatter picked back up after the Maple Leafs acquired Jack Campbell this week.

So, that got me thinking, how many goalies are moved around the deadline?
- Tyler Cameron

stanbow and the unexpected: he will keep both crow/lehner and deal with the UFA mess after the season.

Option1: extend lehner; trade crow or let him walk most likely
option 2: trade lehner; extend crow for 2 years if one fails
option 3: keep them both until the summer not likely but I think he might go this route
option 4: trade both at the TDL not likely

whoa next five road games: bookend games with the jets with oil, nucks and flames in between...

a on this trip might derail the playoff express depending on how the team in front and back do..

this team can't afford another 5-7 game swoon...

Any update on Shaw?

stanbow and the unexpected: he will keep both crow/lehner and deal with the UFA mess after the season.

Option1: extend lehner; trade crow or let him walk most likely
option 2: trade lehner; extend crow for 2 years if one fails
option 3: keep them both until the summer not likely but I think he might go this route
option 4: trade both at the TDL not likely
- bogiedoc

Hey bogey option two, and then see if uncle Dale somehow will trade us the rights to Spencer Knight since he has BOB signed for eight years.

Any update on Shaw?
- catrisc

Nothing. Sounds like they are preparing him to be out for the entire season.

He's at home enjoying his newborn son as well. So I'm sure he's thinking a lot his health and future.

First!

Thanks Tyler, this is a really cool blog idea. Certainly seems like Gus remains the biggest trade bait. Still getting over that OT loss to BOS...
- Q-stache

Thanks. I was curious myself to see how many goalies have moved over the last few years.

Great write up. I agree. The only comment I would make is that after the TDL there are only 23 games left, and only 3 back to back. You could trade either Lehner or Crow and ride the other the rest of the way. I think the team would miss either goalie, but not consider it a white flag if you traded one of them and rode the other. Whoever is not traded could play 20 of the last 23 games. Neither goalie would have more than 55 starts for the year, not a heavy workload. Lankinen or Delia get the backup. If the Hawks stumble out of playoff contention you could play Lankinen or Delia more often to give them experience and to assess their readiness to be a backup next year.

stanbow and the unexpected: he will keep both crow/lehner and deal with the UFA mess after the season.

Option1: extend lehner; trade crow or let him walk most likely
option 2: trade lehner; extend crow for 2 years if one fails
option 3: keep them both until the summer not likely but I think he might go this route
option 4: trade both at the TDL not likely
- bogiedoc

I think he should trade one of the goalies and let the other play the majority of the games. Both are great but you have to at least see what he can get for a stud goalie and get some assets back. My guess is Lehner is worth more at this time due to less cap and is probably playing a little better, but CC is no slouch himself.

Nice timely blog, Tyler.

There are a number of scenarios that could play out with Crawford and Lehner. My preference is that the team doesn't carry both of them again next season and beyond. One of them is the starter next year with either Delia or Lankinen as backup.

What you described makes sense, though, in terms of the downsides to trading either of them, especially if the team is still in the playoff hunt.

That aside, it would be preferable to trade one of them this season to get something in return rather than have one of them walk for nothing given their value as NHL starters.

Great write up. I agree. The only comment I would make is that after the TDL there are only 23 games left, and only 3 back to back. You could trade either Lehner or Crow and ride the other the rest of the way. I think the team would miss either goalie, but not consider it a white flag if you traded one of them and rode the other. Whoever is not traded could play 20 of the last 23 games. Neither goalie would have more than 55 starts for the year, not a heavy workload. Lankinen or Delia get the backup. If the Hawks stumble out of playoff contention you could play Lankinen or Delia more often to give them experience and to assess their readiness to be a backup next year.
- -Doh-

Agree with this, Doh.

The Hawks need to think beyond the NHL roster and project out the goalies in the system, too. Delia and Tomkins are the only ones signed beyond this season.

Does Lankinen get resigned as he is an RFA this summer?

Gravel is likely to go pro after he ends his 4th season in juniors. Where does he fit in?

There's also the wildcard Nalimov. Not holding my breath on him but he can't be forgotten as an asset within the system.

It seems to me that a Lehner extension would ALREADY have been completed IF the $$ and term were agreed upon. And with the Hawks soooo close to a playoff spot, how in the world can Bowman trade him ?? And so, Bowman watches the standings, just like us, and entertains any offers if they are out there. Still a few weeks before the trade deadline, and a lot can happen between now and then. Prediction 2/7/2020 - Hawks WILL be in the playoffs and Lehner AND Crawford are staying.

I think he should trade one of the goalies and let the other play the majority of the games. Both are great but you have to at least see what he can get for a stud goalie and get some assets back. My guess is Lehner is worth more at this time due to less cap and is probably playing a little better, but CC is no slouch himself.
- stan-ley-cups

Agree with this, too, Stan-ley.

Both Crawford and Lehner are highly valuable players at their position. My preference is to not lose one or the other (or both) for nothing by riding them out to season's end when they then become UFAs who can do whatever they want as far as which team to sign with.

Leverage one in a trade to gain picks and/or prospects.

Your examples should also serve to throw water on the idea that either goalie would bring back a 1st or a 2nd round pick. The exception being if a starting goal on a legitimate cup contender and lost their #1 goalie and was not confident in their backup. Even then it might be a 3rd round pick.

Yeah TC, I think you're correct - neither goalie is traded. It would be different if the Hawks were out of the playoff picture but they're not and to essentially throw in the towel on the season by trading one of the goalies wouldn't be the kind of optics Stan and Co. would want to project.

Normally I'm not one in favor of half measures - either go all-in or go all-out but there are times when standing pat is the prudent thing to do and the decision on whether to buy or sell or do nothing is shaping up to be one of those times. There's a kind of cool in going up against the odds and I'm starting to get that vibe with the team we have and I kinda like that.

It seems to me that a Lehner extension would ALREADY have been completed IF the $$ and term were agreed upon. And with the Hawks soooo close to a playoff spot, how in the world can Bowman trade him ?? And so, Bowman watches the standings, just like us, and entertains any offers if they are out there. Still a few weeks before the trade deadline, and a lot can happen between now and then. Prediction 2/7/2020 - Hawks WILL be in the playoffs and Lehner AND Crawford are staying.
- MadHatter

The Hawks could have an agreement with Lehner on a new contract already, but may not be announcing it until after the season as a courtesy and sign of respect for Crow.

Your examples should also serve to throw water on the idea that either goalie would bring back a 1st or a 2nd round pick. The exception being if a starting goal on a legitimate cup contender and lost their #1 goalie and was not confident in their backup. Even then it might be a 3rd round pick.
- -Doh-

Campbell brought back two 3rd round picks. Well, and Clifford, too. Crawford and Lehner should bring back more than a backup goalie. Hawks even have a Clifford in Smith to add. Maybe Carpenter but he is useful

This is a sad response from you, Tyler; first and foremost because it speaks to the potential for long-term health issues for Shaw. I hope he takes all the time necessary to get this back to the point where he can play next year - or possibly even the year after if that’s what it takes. Secondly, it was always entertaining watching Shaw play. Yes, sometimes you could only sit there and shake your head and ask “How could he have taken such a freakingly dumb penalty,” but there were few players who game in and game out put as much of himself into the game. And lastly, who among us isn’t waiting for another header?

This is a sad response from you, Tyler; first and foremost because it speaks to the potential for long-term health issues for Shaw. I hope he takes all the time necessary to get this back to the point where he can play next year - or possibly even the year after if that’s what it takes. Secondly, it was always entertaining watching Shaw play. Yes, sometimes you could only sit there and shake your head and ask “How could he have taken such a freakingly dumb penalty,” but there were few players who game in and game out put as much of himself into the game. And lastly, who among us isn’t waiting for another header?
- Spec41971

The best thing for Shaw's future health may be to retire or never play again. He doesn't have anything left to prove as a player.

This is a sad response from you, Tyler; first and foremost because it speaks to the potential for long-term health issues for Shaw. I hope he takes all the time necessary to get this back to the point where he can play next year - or possibly even the year after if that’s what it takes. Secondly, it was always entertaining watching Shaw play. Yes, sometimes you could only sit there and shake your head and ask “How could he have taken such a freakingly dumb penalty,” but there were few players who game in and game out put as much of himself into the game. And lastly, who among us isn’t waiting for another header?
- Spec41971

I know. I would love to see Shawzie out there playing his game, but dude needs to be healthy for his family.

If I hear anything specific on him, I'll be sure to report.

I get the feeling SB is going to re-sign Lehner at 8mx8 (max) or even higher.
There is no way SB is going to risk his job putting out a goaltending duo of CC and Lankinen/Delia. It will be 2017-2018 all over again.

Any update on Shaw?
- catrisc

I remember reading (when we reacquired Shaw) that if he were to get another concussion, his career would be over.

Ever since his injury, I've marked him off the roster.

Shame it didn't workout and I hope the best for him.

It seems to me that a Lehner extension would ALREADY have been completed IF the $$ and term were agreed upon. And with the Hawks soooo close to a playoff spot, how in the world can Bowman trade him ?? And so, Bowman watches the standings, just like us, and entertains any offers if they are out there. Still a few weeks before the trade deadline, and a lot can happen between now and then. Prediction 2/7/2020 - Hawks WILL be in the playoffs and Lehner AND Crawford are staying.
- MadHatter

Extension may be done and simply not announced?

I get the feeling SB is going to re-sign Lehner at 8mx8 (max) or even higher.
There is no way SB is going to risk his job putting out a goaltending duo of CC and Lankinen/Delia. It will be 2017-2018 all over again.
- squishy24

I just don't think it will be more than 6 years and hopefully under $8m. Right now you are bidding against yourself. Lehner knows only way for him to get max leverage is to test the market. He has to have something less he will settle for to not test the market.