Craig Anderson has been terrific since arriving here in Ottawa and the team has been greatly improved with him between the pipes. Anderson has had nothing but good things to say about his teammates, the city and the organization since arriving in a deal that sent Brian Elliott to Colorado.
Anderson gives the club stability in goal moving forward and will allow prospect Robin Lehner more time to develop. A little bit surprised by the length of the deal though.
All that said, a solid signing by the Sens.
he's a great goalie and thats why I don't feel too bad about the term length, but I would have thought a shorter contract would be better to get lehner in nets sonner and get him experience
Still waiting on the cap hit.
Any other details on how much contract is worth ??
Two solid goalies will give the new team the confidence going forward. Good job, Murray!
great move brian! the elliot trade can now go down as a great deal even if we risked some draft picks in the process.
Not really....it is moving us down the draft.
This is pretty much what I was going to say, that Anderson for Elliot trade was probably the best one Murray has made so far in his tenure here.
I don't mind the 4 year term, this team still has 2 more seasons of growing pains before we see what our prospects turn into, the extra 2 years on the contract will be for when the team is ready to contend again and I imagine Anderson wanted to be a part of that as well, not just through the next couple of rough seasons...
My guess is the money will be around $3.5M per season....
We finally have a #1 goalie and people STILL complain.
Best trade of the year. Elliot for Anderson (signed). Teehee.
Should be interesing to see the numbers !
2.75
3.0
3.5
3.5
Thats alright.
3.2 millions! w00t!!
Lehner should be ready by end of year 2 at tops, but lots of cap space going forward and they can always move him, buy out etc etc if he sucks...I wonder if he has a NTC or NMC...
Definitely solidifies Elliott for Anderson as a great trade, as mentioned above, but that term is quite a bit more then I was hoping for. Let's just keep our fingers crossed that this season was indeed the aberration for the rest of his career.
Lehner, enjoy your time in Bingo the next few years, hopefully the fans down there start warming up to you.
Looks like Anderson has bought into the rebuild and likes our potential. His agent probably knows he left some money on the table to sign here.
I realize cap hit is the same but Melnyk money isn't.
Chirp, I like the pop up comments. Not sure how I missed that until now.
Good combination of money and length of contract.
Hope Anderson earns every single dollar, by playing like a #1 goaltender over the 4 years !
Deal is equitable for both parties and we can now move forward to next year !
This solidifies it.
Could still win the Lotto too!
At this stage it looks like Ottawa will get RNH.
1. Edm, Laarsson
2. Col, Landeskog (they need a winger with Statsny and Duchene being there)
3. Ott, RNH
I think the only way Ottawa will get Landeskog with the #3 overall pick would be if Edm shocks and takes RNH (even though they need a center) then I think COL will take the best player after (Laarsson)...
To continue this ramble, if Ottawa gets Larrson, I would trade one of there big 3 D prospects and try to get a really high end forward prospect...
Exciting Times!
This allows Lehner the time to develop in the minors and we won't have to jerk him around any longer like we did this season.
I expected the signing to be in the 2.75-3 million range but I really don't have any problems with the term or the cap hit.
Now all we have to do is sign McElhenney to a one or 2 year deal at around 850 000 and we'll be set between the pipes for next season.
The thing I like the most about this deal, is that Lehner is now going to have to earn a job on this team instead of having it handed to him like some people wanted.
Go Sens Go!
1) Because we get a franchise goalie who loves an increased workload. With this defense, that's a guarantee.
2) Because it makes JABSmilez a sad panda.
I like this signing and am happy to have him here (Please don't pull a Gerber, please don't pull a Gerber). Best trade at the deadline.
But over all, I think he can get the job done and I wouldnt br surprised if we make the playoffs next year. Book it!
its actually very smart because the sens will be paying anderson lower then the cap hit the first couple years, then they could possibly trade him to another team and the other team would have to pay the rest of the contract at 3.5m but the cap hit will be at 3.2 only
I was happy with what Murray had done so far but this one will hurt, especially in year 3 and 4.
Chirp, so now that we know Anderson is our #1 and Lehner will most likely be playing in Bingo for a few seasons, do we keep McElhinney as our back-up or....? Who is going to be filling that role?
Ummm....What about last year when he was abosutely on fire for the Avs? I'd say he proved himself there, wouldn't you?
Murray indicated that he will be looking for a veteran guy to fill that role. McElhinney has done a fine job in his audition so far.
I'm not sure how I feel about Murray staying on as the GM past this season. He has done a good job blowing the team up, but he had to do that based on his previous moves. It seems like we're implementing the same type structure again next year. Same GM and yet another Rookie NHL Coach (Cameron) with no NHL experience. Something should change somewhere. Grooming a potential successor for GM would be nice, however with Murray's nephew as the assistant GM, that likely won't change either.
Consider me joshed ;)
As long as he plays well enough to stay as a true #1 I will be happy.
GO SENS GO!!!
seriously??? that's shocking!!!! (mock shock)
Once the Frozen Four is over with in a week or so I hope that Murray announces the signing of Paul Thompson of New Hampshire. That would add another top 6 forward to the ranks although I would think he would need some time in Bingo just like Butler. Looking good for the Sens in this rebuild.
basically a 3M cap hit? Hell, we can afford that even if he ends up playing backup! The back loaded deal is also smart because if our rebuild takes that long that we still aren't in the playoffs by year 4 we can trade him to a team that needs a goalie and they will be paying his most expensive year.
This guy is a good goalie, he carried the Avs to respectability behind a shakey defence last year, and this year was the difference between them being competitive or last place in the league. That much has become obvious since they went from bad to horrific after the goalie switch.
Well played Murray!
One thing I will say though, I'm tired of Murray handing out these NMC like it's going out of style. It seems every played in the league knows that if they are comign to Ottawa they are going to be getting a NTC/NMC, so they come here to sign for their country club pass...I'm not a fan of that at all...
We would have been a 9-13 place in the conference team next year, with an outside chance of landing a blue chipper in a draft nobody is excited for (I only have heard of two names expected to be highly anticipated picks).
Anderson will make this team exciting and competitive while our young guys develop, especially the 6 guys we'll be picking out of the first 63 picks this year.
With the way the backup is playing... i'd ink him to a 1-2 year deal as well... if he keeps his pace up for 1m-ish.
The fact that it's a four year deal is actually fairly insignificant both because the cap hit is low and there is no NTC or NMC.
We finally have a #1 goalie!
i think we all would have preferred 3 years but the money is reasonable.
Murray is going to sign McElhinny as the backup removing any doubt from Lenhner's mind that he's spending next season in Bingo to mature and develop (preferably as the starter). nice to see 9 mm back...
Flawlessly done IMO.
i didnt get a chance to comment on your feedback request the other day but to build on what others have said.
simplicity is best. when you make changes to a site like this you want it to evolve over time not completely transform over night. This is no different than when a company roles out a new application...y ou don't offfer all the bells and whistles immmediately, you start with the basics and add more over time.
the ability to stay logged in by using our google account with the last site was the big differentiator for me.
WHOOPS! Totally read your previous post wrong Chrip, sorry about that! That makes this deal even better! haha
Gerber - 3 years @ 11M (?)
Leclaire - 2 years @ 9.6M
and I guess everyone forgets Murray chasing Khabibulin at $6.75M a year with 2 years left back in March 2010
$3.25M a year for 4 years is a friggin steal compared to those shitass deals Murray has offered.
Hopefully he doesn't flop next year now that he got the payout but based on the small sample size that we have seen in our colors he should be ready to hold it down for years to come.
Way to go BM!
sorry I guess it was 2009 that Murray was looking to "nab" Khabibulin
if Lalime can get a job in this league so can McElhinny.
it's not easy for a backup to play irregularly and ultimatley the sens don't need another debate about who is the undisputed starter. this would mark the first time in a long long time the there is no debate and the goalies know their role.
also, Kipper, Lungo and even Brodeur have gone through periods where they were attrocious. It happens...
Craig Anderson:
GP-180 W-74 L-68 T-20 SO-14 GAA-2.77 SVP-.913
Martin Gerber:
GP-226 W-110 L-78 T-21 SO-10 GAA-2.65 SVP-.910
Pascal Leclaire:
GP-159 W-57 L-69 T-14 SO-10 GAA-2.89 SVP-.903
Patrick Lalime:
GP-437 W-200 L-169 T-32 SO-35 GAA-2.57 SVP-.905
Dominik Hasek:
GP-735 W-389 L-223 T-82 SO-81 GAA-2.20 SVP-.922
Not trying to be a downer but this should be more of the same. Dominik Hasek was the only game break goalie the sens ever had. Anderson's stats are eerily similar to Martin Gerber's.
I think we should get used to having Murray around for a while longer but as far as I'm concerned he has done a good job with drafts, ridding the bad contracts and the kids in the system so why not?
Watching the team next year is going to be exciting. Young and new players and good goaltending is a great start for our Sens for the next few years. I realize this forum is for sharing our thoughts, good or bad, but I hope most of us can think positively because the next few years is going to be a lot of fun!!
I really hope that was a joke....I'm so tired of hearing abour Parise coming to Ottawa, for the last time it's just not going to happen....
Murray isn't going to offer sheet Parise, simply because it would have to be in the 6-7.5 mil range, and a rebuilding team is not going to give up 2 1sts, a 2nd and a 3rd for one player. They could trade for him, packaging a roster player and a pick and prospect though. Although, I'm pretty sure teams with similar offers will be able to beat out the Sens
Joe, The difference is that most of Gerber's wins came in a three year period where he was a part of a Carolina team that won the cup, and a Senators team that was one of the league's best.
Anderson posted those stats on bottom feeding horrible teams in Florida and Colorado, and Chicago when they were awful and he was early in his career. Most people who don't like the signing probably don't really know much about his career - he took about 5 years to develop after he was drafted (pretty standard as far as goalies go), then posted great stats in Florida as Vokouns backup for two seasons, before being used as a starter in Colorado, which he has done an admirable job of. He is not Martin Gerber.
As explained many times before having Parise on our team would be more beneficial than having those picks, seeing as those picks wont be NHL rdy or even come close to Parise' caliber.
Plus if we make the playoffs or finish anywhere from 1st to 9th those picks are late first rounders and well worth giving up for a player of Parise' caliber.
Plus we have Petersson, Sorenson, Stone, Silfverberg, Lehner, Caporusso (plus whoever we draft with the NSH pick) in the system and developing.
Except, you know, Anderson plays BETTER under pressure and doesn't wilt into a wobbly crying mess. That and he looks good in the playoffs when games count. But yeah, other than that, they're practically the same.
Agree with Alfie For Mayor !!
It would take a Kings' Ransom to even try to steal Zach Parise from Lou Lamoriello, who is shedding salary to be able to sign Parise before July 1st 2011 .
No reason to complain. This is a happy day.
I doubt all the salary shedding is all going for 1 player, NJ are desperate for players, at one point they were playing with 15 players. They have no other choice but to spread the money around.
SC Any word on Mcelhinney (splg?)??
GO SENS GO!
3.1 is a complete robbery for a guy like this. Look at how much we've paid Leclaire, to play all of his 10 games as a Senator.
This is a character guy who is good. Not amazing, but good.
In my opinion, 4 years is too long, considering in 4 years Lehner is expected to grow into the number one role, but not having the NMC or NTC is the added bonus. With a low cap hit and not having either of those Clauses, it makes trading him fairly feasible.
However I personally saw Robin Lehner our number one after next season.
Guess we'll have to wait and see
um... I think we just did....
The offer sheet may not even be a possibility. New Jersey has a right to give him a qualifying offer which would protect him from other teams giving him an offer sheet.
If Parise does become available, most teams in the league will be extremely interested and I just can't see us ponying up the best offer.
more likely we grab Carter - philly is going to get knocked out in the first round becuase of questionable goaltending and decide to mine some of their riches for a bonfied #1
That said, Anderson is the first goalie in a long time to give me hope and I really hope he holds up. 4 years is a long time if this turns out to be a mistake. Kudos to Murray on not giving him a no trade/move clause.
Also, I guess this means Murray is here to stay.
Very reasonable cap hit for a true #1 goaltender.
I really like the way this rebuild is going and very glad that all signs seem to be pointing to Murray getting an extension.
Mark, Carter signed an extension through 2022 for 5.2 a season. I don't think that's going to happen either bro.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again.
Bryan Murray is a good GM. Made a couple of mistakes, but what GM as an absolute perfect track record.
I think Clouston can do some good for us next season, too; even for only one year. I doubt it, but I still do believe that he's a good coach.
That's priceless. Thanks to you I had to visit HB for the first time since before the deadline. Thanks a lot Chirp!!
102 comments in 3 hours.
Can someone please explain why we are (the fans and team) relying on Lehner to become a legit starting goaltender. He had a good (nothing spectacular) World Juniors (mainly because of the clinic he put on against the Russians) and had a 27-13-3 record with the Sault in 2009-2010. Good numbers but hardly enough to go by. I know he's young, a big body, and has a competitive edge, but why is he being regarded as our next number 1? I would love for him to succeed but I'm not getting my hopes up. As a Sens fan, I'm accustomed to bad luck regarding our goaltending situation. I’m hoping a Sens fan with more knowledge of Lehners background can fill me in.
The Devils have already sent Jason Arnott and Jamie Langenbrunner off their roster , to free up money for Parise. Arnott is now with Capitals, and Langenbrunner is back with Dallas.
No way any team wants to overpay for Zach Parise.
Both Langdenbrunner and Arnott are UFA's this summer I believe.
Won't hear anything new for a week at least. Paul Thompson and Stephane Da Costa are both in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tourny.
Have to wait until their season is over.
He mentioned in the press conference that he anticipated the UFA goalies this off season, Bryzgalov and Vokoun, to resign. That's pretty bang on. There's no way Phoenix and Florida would let those two franchise goalies walk. If we were to wait around we would have nobody in net or next season.
And when is the last time you bought a jersey of a sens goalie? me? never! until now
I read Eklund for the comedic value.
Murray is hoping Lehners stays in Bingo next season as their starting goaltender. He needs playing time so the team can assess if he's ready for the bigs in 2012-2013. I don't expect to see him play at all next season unless we have injury problems with Anderson/Mc.
Positive: Goaltending stability for the foreseeable future.
Negative: What if (likely to happen—given our history with goalies) he's made of glass, or just turns to crap, then that stability becomes an expensive nuisance.
Positive: Character player. Seems to know how to handle the puck, and communicates well with his defencemen.
E
This is a great signing. Solid competent goaltending for four years. What a terrific way to look forward to next season. Well done Murray.
Spezza is a slam dunk. Karlsson and Foligno will likely go too. Wonder if the USA looks at Anderson?
I agree and his increased role on the PK, his faceoff % and his growth as a leader will help his cause. I know Canada has an incredible amount of centers, but he's definitely still at the top of the list of available players.
having the comments go right to the top and also having them all load in one window without having to flip is a huge difference maker.
I have a feeling you had the same number of readers checking out the site and reading your articles barring the "blocked site" issue but people weren't starying on the site and weren't posting near as often.
speaking of posting as often.... HAX where'd you go? you seem to have dropped off the face of sens chrip...
I'd rather see Spezza skip the meaningless World Championships, rest up any injuries he may have, and then get to work on having a dominant season next year.
It's not like he hasn't had tonnes of playoff experience, and done the WC thing before. But, he'll probably go and do well.
Who did you expect to be Sens #1 goalie next season?
Don't forget about Eric Staal too.
Err, okay don't really know what that has to do with what I said. By your explanation, that would mean that even if Parise was signed to an offer sheet (let's say 6.5 mil for the hell of it), New Jersey could and would match.
Really don't know why Murray had to go out and mention Parise as a guy they're going to pursue, I almost believe he said it to throw the media and everyone off so that he can go after the guy they really want that much more quietly
Kind of skeptical on the 4th year (but the money is about what I expected), it seems pretty standard for Murray to hand out an extra year to get a deal done. It's great to hear there is no NTC/NMC, that will be key later on down the road.
This will give time for Lehner, and any other young goalie they draft. I am strongly in favour of them drafting one of John Gibson, Christopher Gibson or Samu Perhonen in this years draft. They can't put all their eggs in one basket with Lehner.
"I'd rather see Spezza skip the meaningless World Championships, rest up any injuries he may have, and then get to work on having a dominant season next year.
It's not like he hasn't had tonnes of playoff experience, and done the WC thing before. But, he'll probably go and do well."
Spezza said himself that he really wants to play, and that he isn't ready for his season to end. He says he feels great right now and is motivated to win a gold medal. World Championships or not, as a guy that has already won 2 Silver medals, the gold means a lot to him.
I'd like to see him go and show everyone, not just us Sens fans, how much he has evolved as an all situations player.
There is only 10 games left in the regular season... so the timing was right. If he would have hit July 1st -- the numbers would have been a lot higher.
Parise will not get any offer sheet. If he is not signed by a certain date.. either NJ will qualifying him or file for arbitration -- thus avoided any offer sheet from any team.
Great news about Michalek... who goes down to Bingo -- Wick?
That would enable them to be quite creative with the picks this year... especially combining Nashville's pick with one or two of the 2nd's Sens have to move up higher in the draft?
Yeah, I'm really curious to see how hard they go after these guys. Murray seemed to indicate that they have a good chance of signing one of them in his oress conference eh?
We will never know who Murray will target, but it will be someone of the caliber of Parise.
That might happen before July 1st, or even during the off season, and before training camp opens .
Winning the gold medal at the WC is cute and all, but that tournament is rather meaningless. I'd much rather see Spezza dedicate himself to truly living up to the $7 million he is paid in the NHL. I would like to see him dedicate this off-season to the Ottawa Senators (not the WC) and get into the best shape of his life. He can show everyone, and not just Sens fans, what kind of player and leader his is in the 2011-12 NHL SEASON... not the 2011 WC.
But that's just my opinion.
also chirp, the 'be the first to comment' link should open the pop out comments. then the site will work just like the old one
I completely agree with you. Seems many are saying it's the first time in a long time they have hope and we have a true #1 goalie. I won't lie and not admit that I thought Leclaire was going to be a good #1. If you can recall, he had an excellent year with his old club too(12 SO or something). Sens fans always seem to have very high expectations for goalies and if they falter a tiny bit, we run them out of town. Don't take me the wrong way. I love the deal we got for Anderson. I just hope we don't send him to the graveyard.
I agree, he should definitely go and keep working on his skills in game and on-ice instead of in the weight room. Spezza is still probably eying the next Olympics as well, and it would be in his best interest to suit up for Canada whenever he can until then so that the guys at hockey Canada take notice as well. If Mike Green & Spezza were both previously left off due to their defensive abilities, they are both doing all they can to fix that part of their games.
Such a humble guy too. He always seems so grateful in his interviews. And by him not requesting a lot of money, it leaves the team with more cap space to stack up the front end now.
Go to the WC and have great games.. but then again.. the GM of the Worlds is a 'LEAF' exec. Do you really have faith in that? LOL
I was seriously mad when I heard that. I mean seriously, what were they thinking?
"This guy has had a failure of a team for the better part of a decade. Let's put him in charge of something really important to the whole Country."
Saw that. No confirmation from the team yet though.
He better have the best season of his career (not point-wise either). Next season is a very important one for Jason Spezza, he is going to be counted on for alot with all the young players. This isn't even including the posibility that he gets injured in a meaningless tournament.
I'm tired of the excuses. I want a complete season of strong play, not just flashes, and injuries.
Yah, I know, i'm in the minority.
Ha, Mario must be happy.
I fully expect him to trade for/sign someone like Mike Danton and tell him to throw elbows at people's noggins.
Mario's such a hypocrite when it comes to headshots and discipline.
Man, the WC may not mean all that much to you, but it means something to Spezz. He came in to training camp this season in the best shape of his life according to him and Clouston. I'm not worried about what kind of shape he's in.
He's missed 20 games this season, and if he plays in the WC's it will be like he's played a full season. Plus, don't you want to see him skating alongside other great players like Nash or Iggy if they go? He'll really be able to show everyone what kind of player he really is, a responsible, all round player with crazy offensive abilities.
I'm really looking forward to the draft to see what Murray has planned. I know I've hated on Murray this season, but since he's been instructed to rebuild this team, I think he's done an excellent job so far.
http://www3.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Jason+Spezza+Dan+Hamhuis+Canada+v+Latvia+IIHF+0vPFplq_kPzl.jpg
I'd rather see him take some extra skating time with the young players on the Senators, ya know the team that pays him 7 million a year... than head off to a meaningless IIHF exhibition tournament. Yup.
There's is absolutely nothing to be gained by Spezza playing in that tournament. Well, except maybe give him ideas that maybe he'd like to play with some of those guys on a full-time basis.
I think this is one of those agree to disagree things... but i'm more than willing to keep discussing it ;)
P.S. Sorry AFM, couldn't quote you because I only have 1000 characters... that's dumb.
I agree with what you say in regards to skating with the young guys and training to gt better for next season, but I think he has the chance to go to the WC's and help a young team (according to Nonis and Blake) and then come back here with plenty of time to skate with his Senators teammates and prepare for next season.
He'd be in a situation in the WC's where he'd be looked upon to lead and bring a solid all round game. That sounds very similar to his situation here doesn't it? The extra experience will certainly give him more confidence.
Agreed, it's nice when we can be on the same page :)
I can only hope that Murray lays some of your fears to rest over the next 6 months to a year and that Anderson lays mine to rest over the next 1-2 years.
I don't see any reason why the two weeks required for the WC isd such an issue though, man - I really don't see any downside to it, the hitting is low, the hockey is good, and winning a gold might be the taste of victory Spezza has never had to give him that extra motivation for his off-season to become one of the best. I have a feeling that you're going to see a massive season from him regardless of whether or not he goes to some short term tournament in May.
From a player's perspective, the economics of front-loading a contract is based on the universal truth that money is always worth more to you now than at a later time. Getting more money up front allows you to generate more with that capital through investments.
Not sure of all the other factors that would affect a hockey contract, though!
Good point RhinoceRoss. With all the hard work Spezza put in last summer and throughout the year this year, it would be nice to see him rewarded for it going into the summer.
In a perfect world, Anderson is probably a guy that the team would have liked to keep for maybe 2 years, so that we don't over commit to a guy while a goalie prospect develops and will assume a number one role.
But Craig Anderson doesn't want to be a short term, filler type of project. He wants to win and lose as a Senator,
In my opinion, he's the perfect guy right now to be our number one goalie.
Whether he is consistent enough, only time will tell.
BINGO! Chirp, please take note of this important detail as your site is almost there!!!
I'm confused as to how this is different from what I said. This is a smart contract structure for the Sens. I am much less concerned about its financial impact on Anderson.
You do realize that players don't usually start skating again util late July early August right? Spezza would be hitting the gym still but also relaxing for a bit during the WC's. Having him playing and being a part of a winning atmosphere would be good for him.
Guess the wording threw me off - I took 'everyone' to be a reference to players, not SC posters and fans in general.
You're right, from the team's perspective, the deal works in their favour as the real value of the commitment will be eroded over time. More of a bite to the player than a bonus to the organization, but hey, good to see him take his first one for the team.
To be fair, every goalie signed to every team is brought in under those sorts of expectations if the intent is to bring in a #1 instead of a back-up.
It has been suggested by Murray that Lehner could do with 2 full seasons in Bingo.
The saving grace is no NTC or NMC so there is trade or waiver flexibility if things don't work out. I am optimistic but we thought the #1 spot had been taken care of before. I am hoping this is a great move, and will watch with great interest.
I'm a little less sure about what to do with McIlhiney. He's looked good here but his track record is less than inspiring. It would be nice to acquire a young goalie with a higher ceiling. I feel competition for playing time is always a good thing. At least one poster suggested McIlhiney should be signed because he's no threat to Anderson as the #1. I see no logic in that position. The better your backup is, the better your team is.
That might work. Although, I wouldn't want to be accused of misquoting someone (Oh well, we could use a little drama anyways). Ha.
We're getting there!
This. Ideally I'd like to snag a backup who's shown flashes of greatness but with consistency issues, and see if he can be snatched out from whatever team has given up on him. Unfortunately, don't think many teams have those guys floating around..looks like Van and Chicago have finally given their young guys a permanent spot on the roster and most other teams have pretty weak backups.
I don't think there would have been a proven goalie on the open market anyway (without paying trough the ying-yang). Anderson was our best option. The term is a bit long but we're not exactly in a position to compete for the cup so who cares. Either we overpay for one of the few elite goalies (pointless on a rebuilding team), or underpay for a proven dud, I think Andersons contract signing was justified. We have to remember that Anderson is a free agent after this year. I'm sure he held most of the cards when they were negotiating his contact. There is no way that Murray opened with a 4-year contract agreement with Andersons agent. Lets just be happy we have a number 1 and not two number 2's.
For comments made about not enough time to view him, I just look back 3 years ago when he played for Florida. Panthers would put Anderson in and invariably he would stand on his head. Rather see him in our uniform than have him rack up wins against us.
Besides 6-4 .934 save% 1 SO
Good numbers for having an inexperienced team in front of him.
I've mentioned this before but I'm actually happy with McIrish as our backup. As Sens fans, I think we're all a bit tired of the continuous goaltending controversies surrounding our team. Our number 1 needs to be playing 60+ games a year so he can develop confidence and consistency. Having a backup goalie that is obviously worse than our starter can hopefully fix these goalie controversies. Then again, we have Clouston as a coach.
He doesn't have a NMC and the dollars aren't huge. What were Murray's other options? Pay top dollar for Vokoun or Bryz so they can play through a rebuild? Bring in Lehner before he's ready?
I guess for me and a few others on here, I am simply not convinced he is a number one goaltender.... There is a reason Colorado traded him for nothing more than Elliot (a goalie who will, in all likelihood, not be playing in the NHL next year). I certainly hope I am wrong and everyone else is right. But to remind everyone, there were also a lot of defenders of Martin Gerber too.
Hey Johne,
Had him slotted in on 3rd pairing, with Hale,
on my Projected Lineup posted on Sens Talk at 8:30 AM this morning !
Nice to see how he performs tonite.
Two things about this quote. First, is that Freudian slip proof that Henrik Karlsson is the backup he may be targeting? Not much other reason to have Calgary on your mind.
Some real good quotes from Murray in that news conference.
And let's face it, Murray's record with goaltenders is not good: Emery, 3-year deal, bought out after year 1; Gerber, 3-year deal, untradeable; Leclaire, made of glass. All of those guys were supposed to be our #1, and all of them failed miserably. The jury's still out on Anderson. I'll see this as a good move if he has a good full season next year, but I'm skeptical. I've seen this movie before.
only one good season?
I remember him playing just as well as Vokoun down in Florida when he took the reigns when Luongo left. Have a little faith with what you've seen this season. Be thankful that we have a goalie that can play more than 20 games a season (LeGlass).
In my opinion Emery's deal wasn't bad at all.. It wasn't his on ice play that caused him to get bought out, actually I'd go as far to say Emery was our best goalie overall (Except for the first 5 minutes of a game.. LOL)
Anderson reminds me Emery in the sense that he just makes the saves he is suppose to make, very rarely will he completely steal a game, but give him 2 - 3 goals and he will win the majority of the games. That is all you can ask of a goalie...
So where did you get that from? Just curious...
I totally see what you're saying regarding Anderson. He's proven his worth just as much as Lehner has in becoming our next #1 in a few years. However, this is a perfect time to sign a potential #1 (Anderson) and risk having him flop. Unlike previous years, we are in rebuilding phase and can actually afford to lose some games for the purpose of a higher draft pick, this year and next. If we were SC contenders, I would not like this deal as much as I do. Plus, I don't think it would be too hard to get rid of him if he doesn't pan out in a few years. He has "game changing" abilities and that alone will spark interest in contending teams who are desperate for a goaltender and a SC run.
Now that he's here to stay, we need to support this guy. There’s not one goalie in the league today who can make us a playoff team at the moment.