Auld back to Canucks???

In a few posts this summer, so far, I have talked about the idea of bringing back Alex Auld to back up Luongo this year...seems I am not the only one with this idea :)

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Toronto/2008/06/10/5828581-sun.html

"The days of star goalies playing more than 70 regular-season games could be ending. The Vancouver Canucks are looking at a more established backup for Roberto Luongo...Free agent Curtis Sanford is not likely going to return to the Canucks, leaving the chance for Alex Auld to go back to his former team ..."

A second thought I have been posting is for the Canucks to go and get Kolzig...and many of you said he would be too expensive or that you wouldn't want such an expensive back-up - which I don't entirely disagree with....yet here we are...a Kolzig to Canuck rumor.

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/van080608.html

"According to the Boston Globe...Another option could be Washington Capitals' veteran Olaf Kolzig, who will not return to the team next season. However, Kolzig is hoping to land a No.1 role, which might cancel the Canucks out."

Move over Ek...I'm going to start my own website...who needs 'sources'...think of enough scenarios and some will be right :)

In a few posts this summer, so far, I have talked about the idea of bringing back Alex Auld to back up Luongo this year...seems I am not the only one with this idea :)

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Toronto/2008/06/10/5828581-sun.html

"The days of star goalies playing more than 70 regular-season games could be ending. The Vancouver Canucks are looking at a more established backup for Roberto Luongo...Free agent Curtis Sanford is not likely going to return to the Canucks, leaving the chance for Alex Auld to go back to his former team ..."

I'd like to see Auld as backup here...

but I don't know how accurate that statement is about "the days of star goalies playing more than 70 games..."

2 years ago, there were 3 goalies that played over 70 games...

a year ago, there were 5 goalies that played in over 70 games...

this past year, there were 6 goalies that played in over 70 games...

the trends sure don't show that the days of star goalies playing over 70 games is a thing of the past... stats show the trends are heading in the opposite direction??

I'd like to see Auld as backup here...

but I don't know how accurate that statement is about "the days of star goalies playing more than 70 games..."

2 years ago, there were 3 goalies that played over 70 games...

a year ago, there were 5 goalies that played in over 70 games...

this past year, there were 6 goalies that played in over 70 games...

the trends sure don't show that the days of star goalies playing over 70 games is a thing of the past... stats show the trends are heading in the opposite direction??
Yeah, I'm not sure where the writer is getting that idea. There will always be those workhorse goalies (Luongo, Brodeur, Kiprusoff, Lundqvist, Nabokov) that will play 70-75 games a season.

In any case, Auld would be a great back-up here, as long as he accepts he'll never be the starter.

In any case, Auld would be a great back-up here, as long as he accepts he'll never be the starter.

How much? I say a 3 year one way deal at $700,000 (a nice $100,000 a year raise for the lad) or a 1 year one way deal at $800,000.

Thoughts?

How much? I say a 3 year one way deal at $700,000 (a nice $100,000 a year raise for the lad) or a 1 year one way deal at $800,000.

Thoughts?

Honestly, I can't see any goalie worth getting here as a backup, that would be comfortable signing for more than 1yr to be a backup to a franchise goalie...

I don't think there are many examples of such backups - behind say Brodeur, Kipper, Luongo, Lundqvist, Nabokov, or any of the established top end goalies in the league... when such goalies are there (such as Toskala, or Bryzgalov, they usually want to move out for a chance for a starting position).

Why would Auld, for example, commit 3 yrs here, when he could well be getting 10 games a year for the next 3 yrs... he's still talented enough to get better (most goalies don't hit their prime till they're in their 30s), and could get a bigger paycheck down the road.

I could understand a goalie like McLennan, career backups, that know they will never be more... but younger goalies, I doubt would settle for anything more than a 1yr contract behind a franchise player.

As for Auld, at $800K, IMO that's too much for a backup to Luongo, especially considering the goalie market - where there are a lot more NHL capable backups right now than jobs available for them... IMO you go as high as $600K for a backup, and you should be easily able to find one for that price.

Auld on a 1yr deal at $600K makes sense... for $800K, IMO that extra $200K is better spent elsewhere... having said that, I doubt that it'd take much more than $600K to get him, or a comparable goalie to fill that backup spot.

Still, I've said it before, the guy that should be given the backup spot next season, at least to start the year, is MacIntyre... I don't want to see him back in Manitoba, making Schneider the undisputed starter (and workhorse starter in the AHL).... if MacIntyre doesn't work out, there will always be goalies available on waivers (like Byzgalov was last season), or late signings (like Joseph was)... as said before, when there are more capable backups right now than jobs to accommodate them, you can get a decent player for a low cost... and options will be available even later into the season.

Always liked Auld, great guy, probably a great teammate, I'd have confidence in him if there's an injury or extended run, would love to see him back in a back-up position.

Always liked Auld, great guy, probably a great teammate, I'd have confidence in him if there's an injury or extended run, would love to see him back in a back-up position.

I think part of his initial appeal was simply that he didn't have the brain farts that Cloutier had.

The city might not be so kind to him when he has to stack up against Luongo.

Just a though.

But I don't want Luongo to play 75 games in the regular season. We need him to play 20-25 in the playoffs! That Brodeur can do it (behind a tight defensive shell, facing few second shots) is not, for me, proof that it's a great idea to ride the main guy all season long. I'd want the backup to be someone to count on for 20 good starts regardless of the fact that Luongo is consuming $7M of cap. It's not like Luongo wouldn't stay sharp in practice, or that he'd sulk about it -- the man is a phenomenal team player.

I like the idea of Auld or McIntyre.

Does anyone else think that Luongo played to many games last year?..i know there was the whole family issue going on, but to me he looked burnt out...wouldnt playing him in about 60-65 games be about right?

Still, I've said it before, the guy that should be given the backup spot next season, at least to start the year, is MacIntyre... I don't want to see him back in Manitoba, making Schneider the undisputed starter (and workhorse starter in the AHL).... if MacIntyre doesn't work out, there will always be goalies available on waivers (like Byzgalov was last season), or late signings (like Joseph was)... as said before, when there are more capable backups right now than jobs to accommodate them, you can get a decent player for a low cost... and options will be available even later into the season.

Until we see what Gillis is going to do with Schneider the back-up spot is up in the air. If Schneider is not traded then yes, I think we can expect him to be given the #1 job in Manitoba. Also, we need to remember that McIntyre is an unsigned RFA at the moment. But if Schneider is traded - which I think is highly likely - then McIntyre gets the #1 gig on the farm with Ellis getting the back up nod behind him. A Schneider trade then, IMO, would precipitate a veteran back up signing ala Auld.

Because we are hearing rumblings about the Canucks looking for a veteran back-up I think we can expect with a reasonable amount of certainty that Schneider will be moved. I honestly think that McIntyre will NOT resign with Canucks IF Schneider remains with the Canucks/Moose.

Auld was a very good, and reliable goalie for us. Unfortunately for him he was never able to really play as well since he left Vancouver. I'd love to see him as the back-up though, he's better than Sanford and its likely going to cost less than $1 million to sign him. I'd have no problem paying a little extra money to get a quality back-up.

We say this every year! "Luongo needs to play less games so he doesn't burn out!". And before that, "Cloutier needs to play less games so he doesn't get injured!".

I'll believe it when I see it.

I like the idea of Auld or McIntyre.

Does anyone else think that Luongo played to many games last year?..i know there was the whole family issue going on, but to me he looked burnt out...wouldnt playing him in about 60-65 games be about right?
IMHO - he was more mentally burnt out than physically burnt out. Just wasn't sharp (by Luongo's standards) since around the allstar break - which in my opinion had more to do with his mind being preoccupied elsewhere (ie., birth of his child) than too tough a workload.

I think he started over 70 games in 2006/07 - and didn't seemed tired to me. He was seemingly unbeatable since around December to the end of the season.

Still, Auld played quite well for the Bruins this past season. Would be an upgrade in the backup position - not sure about giving him a 3 year deal though (that would depend of course on the goalie prospect situation).

I think part of his initial appeal was simply that he didn't have the brain farts that Cloutier had.

The city might not be so kind to him when he has to stack up against Luongo.

Just a though.

There isn't a backup in the league that will stack up to Luongo. Auld isn't sensational but he is reliable. That's all you can really ask.

Luongo is not going to have his first child ever each season. He can (and should) handle 70-75 games with the coin he makes. He played 74 games in 06-07, and 12 playoff games on top of that. I don't really care much who the back up is, as long as he is decent. I'd be fine with Sanford returning.

Auld is a great backup signing. We all liked his effort the one year we had Carter with the Sedins... why not bring him back.

As for the Red Wings winning the cup with Osgood... maybe its not truely unbelievable that we can win with a lower tier goalie, however Detroit is light year ahead of us.

Relying too heavily on Luongo is a bad thing.

Maybe he should realize that playing 60 games instead of 70 will keep him a little more rested for the playoffs (if we are making it next year)

We overplayed him this year due to the fact we were borderline playoff appearance.

I don't think Luongo played too much last season... like others have said he was more mentally exhausted this season thanks to his personal situation off the ice...

but I also think that his injury threw a wrench in managing his icetime properly, while more importantly the canucks season overall, where they sucked in October, and then again late in the season, to keep them in the thick of the playoff race, instead of getting some breathing room at the end, also affected managing his time.

it would have been nice to give him 2-3 games off in the last 2-3 weeks of the season... but he ended up playing every game down the stretch.

There isn't a backup in the league that will stack up to Luongo. Auld isn't sensational but he is reliable. That's all you can really ask.

Perhaps. But Auld actually hasn't been very consistent. There was more forgiveness during his first stint for a couple of bad games. I don't think it's that way anymore. If Luongo got injured, and Auld played the way he has been for most of the last couple of seasons, he'd be pilloried.

I've half a mind to bring in the bare minimum, a guy who has no attachment to the city. Then if Luongo DID happen to go down for any significant stretch or needed a bit of a break, bring up Schneider to get a healthy number of starts. For instance, it would be easy to call up Schneider for a quick game in Chicago should Luongo need a rest, and then fly him back to Manitoba the next morning.

As for the Red Wings winning the cup with Osgood... maybe its not truely unbelievable that we can win with a lower tier goalie, however Detroit is light year ahead of us.


Osgood didn't play like a lower tier goalie.

He was very consistent, even if he wasn't spectacular. He clearly has a handle on the mental game at this point - something we didn't get from Luongo down the stretch.

Osgood didn't play like a lower tier goalie.

He was very consistent, even if he wasn't spectacular. He clearly has a handle on the mental game at this point - something we didn't get from Luongo down the stretch.

Dont forget to mention he faced on average 20 shots a night.
The Red Wings defense if anything, won them the cup.

Simply solid. Absolutely solid.

Luongo is not going to have his first child ever each season. He can (and should) handle 70-75 games with the coin he makes. He played 74 games in 06-07, and 12 playoff games on top of that. I don't really care much who the back up is, as long as he is decent. I'd be fine with Sanford returning.

Wasn't this recent one his 3rd child?

Would love to see Auld back, big fan of his. He had a decent stint in Boston this year and he is more than capable of being a reliable backup. I love that he's a big goaltender. I prefer that over the smaller guys like Sanford.

I like Sanford too, no doubt he was an improvement over Sabourin, but I can understand if he wants to give it a go somewhere else.

Dont forget to mention he faced on average 20 shots a night.
The Red Wings defense if anything, won them the cup.

Simply solid. Absolutely solid.

I agree completely. But Osgood kept his composure remarkably, especially in the finals when his team was down by a goal or two. He gave them a chance to win as long as he was between the pipes, which was enough for a team as talented as they are.

I'd like to see Auld as backup here...

but I don't know how accurate that statement is about "the days of star goalies playing more than 70 games..."

2 years ago, there were 3 goalies that played over 70 games...

a year ago, there were 5 goalies that played in over 70 games...

this past year, there were 6 goalies that played in over 70 games...

the trends sure don't show that the days of star goalies playing over 70 games is a thing of the past... stats show the trends are heading in the opposite direction??

The problem is, only 2 goalies since the late '80s have made the finals after playing more than 65 games in the regular season, those being Brodeur a few times, and Richter in '94. Every other goalie who's played more than 65 games in the last 20 years hasn't progressed beyond the semi-finals. I think that says something.

Look at all of the so called workhorse goalies this season. Luongo, Brodeur, Nabokov, Lundqvist, Kiprusoff, etc. They were all gone by the end of the 2nd round. It was the same story last season as well. Even Brodeur has struggled when he's played more than 72 or 73 games in a season. All of his long playoff runs have come when he's kept his game totals in the high 60s or low 70s.

Look at the greats 10 years ago, none of them played 70+ games a season regularly. Roy, Hasek, Joseph, Belfour, etc all tended to play 60-65 games a season on average. I don't know why goalies nowadays think they can handle 75+ and still be fresh for the playoffs.

Nabokov would win the cup with any other team besides San Jose.
The Sharks r just chokers in the last series. Atleast they make it far however.

I like Detroits idea of spending less on their goalie and more on the defense in front of the goalie. A good defense man, or four, is more important than a goalie in the new NHL because most of the goalies are good now. Except Cloutier.

Perhaps. But Auld actually hasn't been very consistent. There was more forgiveness during his first stint for a couple of bad games. I don't think it's that way anymore. If Luongo got injured, and Auld played the way he has been for most of the last couple of seasons, he'd be pilloried.

I've half a mind to bring in the bare minimum, a guy who has no attachment to the city. Then if Luongo DID happen to go down for any significant stretch or needed a bit of a break, bring up Schneider to get a healthy number of starts. For instance, it would be easy to call up Schneider for a quick game in Chicago should Luongo need a rest, and then fly him back to Manitoba the next morning.

Not a bad idea.

It seems most people think Auld played poorly that year he had to fill in for Cloutier, but I remember it as a pretty strong effort on a defensively inept team. I think he got shell-shocked in Florida and seems the type who may have confidence issues.

I'm also on board with giving it to McIntyre.

If we're all worried about Luongo's stamina, perhaps he should take off some of those practices that he always seems to go to instead of limiting the amount of games he'd play.

Not a bad idea.

It seems most people think Auld played poorly that year he had to fill in for Cloutier, but I remember it as a pretty strong effort on a defensively inept team. I think he got shell-shocked in Florida and seems the type who may have confidence issues.

I'm also on board with giving it to McIntyre.


Actually no, calling him up would waste our call up quota and we will end up playing like last season where players like Hansen couldnt be called up until the playoffs, which we unfornuately has missed. Giving the job to McIntyre is a bad idea too, imo. We should let Luongo rest longer this season, i just dont think McIntyre is the goalie you trust to handle more than 10 games.

Actually no, calling him up would waste our call up quota and we will end up playing like last season where players like Hansen couldnt be called up until the playoffs, which we unfornuately has missed. Giving the job to McIntyre is a bad idea too, imo. We should let Luongo rest longer this season, i just dont think McIntyre is the goalie you trust to handle more than 10 games.

The call-up limit is only in effect after the trade deadline.

Anyways, if we couldnt sign Auld, how about Cujo?

I like Auld, but I think I'd prefer to keep Sanford around for another year. I think the fact that he made the trip to Luc's memorial says a lot about him and his desire to be a part of this team.

I like Auld, but I think I'd prefer to keep Sanford around for another year. I think the fact that he made the trip to Luc's memorial says a lot about him and his desire to be a part of this team.

That's true. I was touched to see Sanford make the trip to NB, considering he has only been here for one season. Either way, I'll be happy with either Auld or Sanford.

I wouldn't mind bringing Sanford back for another season. He was solid in most of the games he played in, which is about all you can ask of your backup.

Considering how few games he played, his numbers take a big hit because of playing in the blowout against Philly and the last game against Calgary, when the team in front of him obviously didn't show up. I know it's not really accurate to just subtract stats especially with backups, who are a bit of a special case considering how few games they play, but just for comparison, if you take out those two games his SV% shoots up to .916. I can't imagine there is much of an upgrade available (that you don't have to spend an arm and leg on) considering that most good backups probably want to be in a situation where they have a chance to play more.

I like Sanford and Auld fine. Honestly the back-up goalie isn't the biggest concern. Both are former starters on non-playoff teams and now each have a history here.

I'd be happy with Auld as backup. He's played the backup role very well for the Canucks in the past.

Anyone remember this?

Crowd chant: Auldy! Auldy! Auldy!

Bing!

Anyone remember this?

Crowd chant: Auldy! Auldy! Auldy!

Bing!

I remember thinking it would have been awesome if the crowd was silent for a second and then started chanting "Postie! Postie! Postie!"

It seems most people think Auld played poorly that year he had to fill in for Cloutier, but I remember it as a pretty strong effort on a defensively inept team. I think he got shell-shocked in Florida and seems the type who may have confidence issues.

I'm also on board with giving it to McIntyre.

Actually, a rotating Vancouver backup / Manitoba starter situation would be pretty cool. Both players get a taste of NHL action, both get to play a lot in the AHL, and everyone is happy.

Also, I don't think Auld played poorly in Vancouver. He was average. He's played worse since. If it wasn't for his recent record, I'd be all for him coming in to play 20 games. When he was in Vancouver, I always was rooting for him to play over Cloutier. But then again, I think most people were.

Honestly, I can't see any goalie worth getting here as a backup, that would be comfortable signing for more than 1yr to be a backup to a franchise goalie...

I don't think there are many examples of such backups - behind say Brodeur, Kipper, Luongo, Lundqvist, Nabokov, or any of the established top end goalies in the league... when such goalies are there (such as Toskala, or Bryzgalov, they usually want to move out for a chance for a starting position).

Why would Auld, for example, commit 3 yrs here, when he could well be getting 10 games a year for the next 3 yrs... he's still talented enough to get better (most goalies don't hit their prime till they're in their 30s), and could get a bigger paycheck down the road.

I could understand a goalie like McLennan, career backups, that know they will never be more... but younger goalies, I doubt would settle for anything more than a 1yr contract behind a franchise player.

As for Auld, at $800K, IMO that's too much for a backup to Luongo, especially considering the goalie market - where there are a lot more NHL capable backups right now than jobs available for them... IMO you go as high as $600K for a backup, and you should be easily able to find one for that price.

Auld on a 1yr deal at $600K makes sense... for $800K, IMO that extra $200K is better spent elsewhere... having said that, I doubt that it'd take much more than $600K to get him, or a comparable goalie to fill that backup spot.

Still, I've said it before, the guy that should be given the backup spot next season, at least to start the year, is MacIntyre... I don't want to see him back in Manitoba, making Schneider the undisputed starter (and workhorse starter in the AHL).... if MacIntyre doesn't work out, there will always be goalies available on waivers (like Byzgalov was last season), or late signings (like Joseph was)... as said before, when there are more capable backups right now than jobs to accommodate them, you can get a decent player for a low cost... and options will be available even later into the season.


McIntyre needs to earn the job, not be given it. I don't think he has what is takes to flourish as a backup or even a potential injury replacement, for the reason I say spend a little extra and buy some insurance, go after Auld or Tellqvist.

Still, I've said it before, the guy that should be given the backup spot next season, at least to start the year, is MacIntyre... I don't want to see him back in Manitoba, making Schneider the undisputed starter (and workhorse starter in the AHL)....

Sorry won't happen. There's absolutely no way the Canucks would have one of their prospects gathering dust on the bench as a Backup when they could be getting tons of experience in Manitoba.

Kolzig was an idiot for re-upping with the Caps. Now it may be too late in his career for him to make another run at the cup...unless he replaces Hasek in Detroit.

Auld is a Starter but this Majority of his career as a starter has been with teams with **** for defense. I don't see him signing here wasting another year in the NHL with around five starts as the Canucks backup.

Sorry won't happen. There's absolutely no way the Canucks would have one of their prospects gathering dust on the bench as a Backup when they could be getting tons of experience in Manitoba.

I'm pretty sure you read his post wrong, but since when has Drew MacIntyre been one of our top prospects? And how the hell would he get more experience playing shotgun to Cory Schneider in the AHL instead of Roberto Luongo?

NFiTO suggested MacIntyre as backup to Luongo in Vancouver, with Schneider getting workhorse minutes in Manitoba. ;)


Also, although I'd LOVE to have Kolzig as a backup to Luongo, I can like you see him going to Detroit. The guy should be looking to get a cup, and I think he thinks that he can still be more then a backup (1A/1B) on a legit team. I wouldn't be surprised to see him go somewhere like Boston, Carolina, Nashville, playoff calibre teams where he could possibly even win the starting job.

I'm pretty sure you read his post wrong, but since when has Drew MacIntyre been one of our top prospects? And how the hell would he get more experience playing shotgun to Cory Schneider in the AHL instead of Roberto Luongo?

NFiTO suggested MacIntyre as backup to Luongo in Vancouver, with Schneider getting workhorse minutes in Manitoba. ;).

I did read it wrong. Regardless, He still would get more minutes in Manitoba than he would in Vancouver. Why would you have MacIntyre up as Luongo's backup? I could understand if it was a situation like Edmonton where backups get more starts than in Vancouver. However, it's not worth the time and money to have Drew MacIntyre ride the bench in Vancouver.

I did read it wrong. Regardless, He still would get more minutes in Manitoba than he would in Vancouver. Why would you have MacIntyre up as Luongo's backup? I could understand if it was a situation like Edmonton where backups get more starts than in Vancouver. However, it's not worth the time and money to have Drew MacIntyre ride the bench in Vancouver.Money? He'd be cheaper than any UFA backup. Time? The guy is just about 25 and has TWO NHL starts. Backing up Luongo would be a step-up in his development, not a step backwards.

Money? He'd be cheaper than any UFA backup. Time? The guy is just about 25 and has TWO NHL starts. Backing up Luongo would be a step-up in his development, not a step backwards.

So would a draft day deal that included him.

So people are going to take a penny pinching, Wal-Mart approach to finding the Canucks next backup goaltender? If Luongo went down (knock on wood) you would honestly say you would be confident in his abilities to step up and Start? Ummmm no. This board would turn into something that resembled Armageddon/end of the world.

So would a draft day deal that included him.

So people are going to take a penny pinching, Wal-Mart approach to finding the Canucks next backup goaltender? If Luongo went down (knock on wood) you would honestly say you would be confident in his abilities to step up and Start? Ummmm no. This board would turn into something that resembled Armageddon/end of the world.

I think in that scenerio you're hoping Schneider can come in and shine. But I don't know if Mac would re-sign here if it looked like he'd be shipped back to the farm. if he's back in Manitoba, it means he's pretty far down the depth chart.

Auld would make a good choice, imo. He's big and takes up a lot of the net. He doesnt move really well side to side but our d and system should allow him to focus on the shooter. it could be a good situation for Auld as well, getting to play behind one of the top goalies in the league who plays a somewhat similiar style (of course Auld plays it like the mere mortal he is) and with one of the top goalie coaches in the game.

I definately want to see Luongo get less games this season. compare the air miles Broduer or Richter get in a season to goalies in the west. I think 65 games or so is the right amount for Luongo.

my first choice is probably Cujo though. I think Cujo's experience would benefit Luongo. 15-17 games is probably ideal for Joseph, he probably won't expect too much (but cap space isn't a huge concern for us this off season, so I'm okay spending a bit extra to get a veteran), and he brings more to the dressing room than guys like MacIntyre or Auld.

Auld would make a good choice, imo. He's big and takes up a lot of the net. He doesnt move really well side to side but our d and system should allow him to focus on the shooter. it could be a good situation for Auld as well, getting to play behind one of the top goalies in the league who plays a somewhat similiar style (of course Auld plays it like the mere mortal he is) and with one of the top goalie coaches in the game.

He would be a great addition to the roster as I'm sure he would jump at the chance of playing on a team that didn't have swiss cheese for a defensive scheme.

I definately want to see Luongo get less games this season. compare the air miles Broduer or Richter get in a season to goalies in the west. I think 65 games or so is the right amount for Luongo.

I do too. The last two seasons Brodeur has played tons of games he just faded (sucked ass would be a more appropriate term two years ago) in the playoffs. Now compared to MAF, he was out for a stretch and he was on fire in the playoffs.

my first choice is probably Cujo though. I think Cujo's experience would benefit Luongo. 15-17 games is probably ideal for Joseph, he probably won't expect too much (but cap space isn't a huge concern for us this off season, so I'm okay spending a bit extra to get a veteran), and he brings more to the dressing room than guys like MacIntyre or Auld.

Interesting choice. However, does anyone know who is available for UFA goaltenders?

OMg guys, Auld as backup is a downgrade to Sanford. Big time.

Why? Auld has shown that he is capable to handle 40-50 games, dont forget he won 33 games for us in 05-06. How much games does Sanford won the most in one season? 13?

Until we see what Gillis is going to do with Schneider the back-up spot is up in the air. If Schneider is not traded then yes, I think we can expect him to be given the #1 job in Manitoba. Also, we need to remember that McIntyre is an unsigned RFA at the moment. But if Schneider is traded - which I think is highly likely - then McIntyre gets the #1 gig on the farm with Ellis getting the back up nod behind him. A Schneider trade then, IMO, would precipitate a veteran back up signing ala Auld.

Because we are hearing rumblings about the Canucks looking for a veteran back-up I think we can expect with a reasonable amount of certainty that Schneider will be moved. I honestly think that McIntyre will NOT resign with Canucks IF Schneider remains with the Canucks/Moose.

I don't anticipate Schneider being traded this offseason. Mainly because he'll play another season in the AHL regardless of which NHL club holds his rights. He had a slow start but played very well in the second half of the season. He'll need to show consistency throughout the season to make a team comfortable with giving him at least 30 games in the 09-10 season.

So, in terms of value, I can't see another team trading an asset that can play in the NHL for Schneider, who will be in the AHL next season. Only way I can see a deal involving Schneider is a larger deal with 4-6 players involved between the 2 teams.

Last thing I want to see is the Canucks end up like the Kings for like the last decade, jumping from goalie to goalie. I would say keep Schneider and let him develop for another season, try to get an extension with Luongo signed. If no extension is signed, you need Schneider as insurance otherwise, the Canucks have no fall back plan and could be sunk for years while they try to get a goalie.

Why? Auld has shown that he is capable to handle 40-50 games, dont forget he won 33 games for us in 05-06. How much games does Sanford won the most in one season? 13?

Sanford never really had a chance to play on a really good team. Alex Auld couldnt even win the backup job in Phoenix.

Sanford never really had a chance to play on a really good team. Alex Auld couldnt even win the backup job in Phoenix.

Auld did win the backup job in Phoenix at the start of the season. When they brought in Bryz, he was the odd man out.

If we're all worried about Luongo's stamina, perhaps he should take off some of those practices that he always seems to go to instead of limiting the amount of games he'd play.

Practices are meant to keep your edge sharp, not the games. If those practices equate to consistant quality games, then do them. This isn't a perfect correlation, but it's kind of like saying "if we're all worried about a student's stamina, take some time off from studying/homework so the student's more rested up for testing."

i love it. bring back auld. hes the best backup goaltender, if UFA

I think purely based on results, Kolzig is your best option, followed by Auld. I'm not so sure Detroit would pick up Kolzig with Jimmy Howard in the ranks. Auld seemed pretty solid when he was tending in Boston, but maybe I missed something. Whenever I watched, he was standing on his head.

I like how Cujo could bring that veteran experience that would only benefit Luongo, but I think he's very hit or miss. He's the kind of goalie that needs a steady amount of shots coming his way to stay on- something I remember hearing him say was a problem for him playing for Detroit. It makes even more sense when you look at how he played in his first season with Phoenix (I know he got shelled a bit his second season, but did he have a steady amount of good games too) and again in that playoff game with the Flamers.

I think Macintyre is your guy only if you want make Luongo the workhorse again and end up maxing out on spending to fulfill other positions. I'd rather not give him the job, but if there's a position I had to slack on filling, with Luongo pulling the plow, this is obviously it.

I think purely based on results, Kolzig is your best option, followed by Auld. I'm not so sure Detroit would pick up Kolzig with Jimmy Howard in the ranks. Auld seemed pretty solid when he was tending in Boston, but maybe I missed something. Whenever I watched, he was standing on his head.

I like how Cujo could bring that veteran experience that would only benefit Luongo, but I think he's very hit or miss. He's the kind of goalie that needs a steady amount of shots coming his way to stay on- something I remember hearing him say was a problem for him playing for Detroit. It makes even more sense when you look at how he played in his first season with Phoenix (I know he got shelled a bit his second season, but did he have a steady amount of good games too) and again in that playoff game with the Flamers.

I think Macintyre is your guy only if you want make Luongo the workhorse again and end up maxing out on spending to fulfill other positions. I'd rather not give him the job, but if there's a position I had to slack on filling, with Luongo pulling the plow, this is obviously it.

i think you are right. kolzig is wicked yet makes quite a bit, is he ufa? i know he had a NTC. will he retire?

I'd like to see Auld as backup here...

but I don't know how accurate that statement is about "the days of star goalies playing more than 70 games..."

2 years ago, there were 3 goalies that played over 70 games...

a year ago, there were 5 goalies that played in over 70 games...

this past year, there were 6 goalies that played in over 70 games...

the trends sure don't show that the days of star goalies playing over 70 games is a thing of the past... stats show the trends are heading in the opposite direction??

Perhaps it should be. Those 13 goalies have won a total of 5 playoff series during that stretch. Conversely, Osgood & Fleury won 7 playoff series this year, while only playing one more game combined than Nabokov did on his own!

07/08

Nabokov - lost in second round
Brodeur - lost in first round
Kiprusoff - lost in first round
Miller - did not make playoffs
Luongo - did not make playoffs
Lundqvist - lost in second round

06/07

Brodeur - lost in second round
Luongo - lost in second round
Kiprusoff - lost in first round
Raycroft - did not make playoffs
Lundqvist - lost in first round

05/06

Kiprusoff - lost in first round
Brodeur - lost in second round

Conversely, here are the regular season games played by the Stanely Cup finalist goalies in the past three seasons. Of the six, only Fleury & Emery played every playoff game for their team, and only Fleury & Giguere were their team's respective #1 goaltender at the start of the season.

07/08

Osgood - 43, Fleury - 35

06/07

Giguere - 56, Emery - 58

05/06

Ward - 28, Roloson - 43

To me, Auld was always the type that was very good at staying in position and letting the puck hit him, which equates to a very solid goaltender when the team plays great defense, but can't do ANYTHING when the team gives up good chances consistently. That said, I was very happy with him when he was here and would like him as a backup.

Huge mistake bringing him back. Florida didnt want him Phoenix didnt want him, Boston has him, not sure why we would want him now. Unreal how alot of canuck fans dont see things at a deep level. He is not a very good goalie anymore. Awful move.

Huge mistake bringing him back. Florida didnt want him Phoenix didnt want him, Boston has him, not sure why we would want him now. Unreal how alot of canuck fans dont see things at a deep level. He is not a very good goalie anymore. Awful move.



Maybe if we were talking about a starting goalie. But for a backup? To quote Iverson, kind of, "We ain't talking about a starter....we talking about a backup. A backup man, a backup."


I mean, compare Auld to Sanford, and I would rather have Auld quite frankly. He is a bigger goalie than Sanford, and he does decent in the shootouts. It's not like we're going to find some amazing talent to rot behind Luongo all year.


It's obvious Auld's chances of being a starter somewhere are now slim to none, but he was always calm in net for us, he played good positionally. He would be a fine backup, especially if AV gets the team playing "the system" where they don't give up too many crazy chances.

Huge mistake bringing him back. Florida didnt want him Phoenix didnt want him, Boston has him, not sure why we would want him now. Unreal how alot of canuck fans dont see things at a deep level. He is not a very good goalie anymore. Awful move.

unreal how some canuck fans are willing to write off a player - especially a guy still developing at his age, because of a bad year or even a couple years, in new situations...

I had similar arguments with fans when I suggested we go after Selanne a couple years ago....

players bounce back... not everyone that has had a bad year will continue to having a bad career... not every player that moves to new teams can adjust right away and make an impact.

we've seen MANY MANY players that have bounced back in different locations... many players that have had a bad season or two, that have had good seasons later in their careers.... many players that were put on waivers because they didn't fit in with their teams, that ended up being steals later ... whether you want to look at players like Pomminville, St. Louis, Sullivan or Briere... or goalies like Brzygalov, Gigeure, or even Conklin last season - there is a long history of players that were write-offs at one point, but still proved to be difference makers later.

It's way too early to write off Auld IMO... he did have some fantastic games last season as well... but when you go into a difficult situation (and Florida was very much a difficult situation for any player to be in), then are moving to 2 other franchises in the same year, again with their own difficult situations as well... it's going to affect how you develop as a player overall. IMO Auld still has the talent, and the upside, to still be a solid backup goalie in this league, and at 27 it's too early to write him off, as most goalies aren't even close to their prime at that age.

unreal how some canuck fans are willing to write off a player - especially a guy still developing at his age, because of a bad year or even a couple years, in new situations...

I had similar arguments with fans when I suggested we go after Selanne a couple years ago....

players bounce back... not everyone that has had a bad year will continue to having a bad career... not every player that moves to new teams can adjust right away and make an impact.

we've seen MANY MANY players that have bounced back in different locations... many players that have had a bad season or two, that have had good seasons later in their careers.... many players that were put on waivers because they didn't fit in with their teams, that ended up being steals later ... whether you want to look at players like Pomminville, St. Louis, Sullivan or Briere... or goalies like Brzygalov, Gigeure, or even Conklin last season - there is a long history of players that were write-offs at one point, but still proved to be difference makers later.

It's way too early to write off Auld IMO... he did have some fantastic games last season as well... but when you go into a difficult situation (and Florida was very much a difficult situation for any player to be in), then are moving to 2 other franchises in the same year, again with their own difficult situations as well... it's going to affect how you develop as a player overall. IMO Auld still has the talent, and the upside, to still be a solid backup goalie in this league, and at 27 it's too early to write him off, as most goalies aren't even close to their prime at that age.

i write off alot of players. and i will say it now, patrick white will not make the nhl. can someone quote me on this? thanks.

Perhaps it should be. Those 13 goalies have won a total of 5 playoff series during that stretch. Conversely, Osgood & Fleury won 7 playoff series this year, while only playing one more game combined than Nabokov did on his own!

07/08

Nabokov - lost in second round
Brodeur - lost in first round
Kiprusoff - lost in first round
Miller - did not make playoffs
Luongo - did not make playoffs
Lundqvist - lost in second round

06/07

Brodeur - lost in second round
Luongo - lost in second round
Kiprusoff - lost in first round
Raycroft - did not make playoffs
Lundqvist - lost in first round

05/06

Kiprusoff - lost in first round
Brodeur - lost in second round

Conversely, here are the regular season games played by the Stanely Cup finalist goalies in the past three seasons. Of the six, only Fleury & Emery played every playoff game for their team, and only Fleury & Giguere were their team's respective #1 goaltender at the start of the season.

07/08

Osgood - 43, Fleury - 35

06/07

Giguere - 56, Emery - 58

05/06

Ward - 28, Roloson - 43

Another way to look at it, is

07-08: 12 goalies played over 65 games, none made it past the 2nd round.

06-07: 10 goalies played over 65 games, none made it past the 2nd round.

05-06: 5 goalies played over 65 games, none made it past the 1st round.

03-04: 8 goalies played over 65 games, none made it past the 2nd round.

02-03: 5 goalies played over 65 games, only Brodeur made it past the 2nd round.

01-02: 12 goalies played over 65 games, none made it past the 2nd round (and only 2 made it past the 1st round).

00-01: 8 goalies played over 65 games, only Brodeur made it past the 2nd round.


Basically, Brodeur is the only goalie who's been able to handle that workload in recent years. Every other goalie who's played that much hockey in the season has had trouble succeeding in the playoffs. Rather than assuming that Luongo can handle that many games (he has after all, only been in the playoffs once in his career), I'd rather see the Canucks get a backup that can play at least 10-15 games and be counted on to win. History shows pretty clearly that goalies who play the number of games Luongo tends to go nowhere in the playoffs unless they're named Martin Brodeur.

Another way to look at it, is

07-08: 12 goalies played over 65 games, none made it past the 2nd round.

06-07: 10 goalies played over 65 games, none made it past the 2nd round.

05-06: 5 goalies played over 65 games, none made it past the 1st round.

03-04: 8 goalies played over 65 games, none made it past the 2nd round.

02-03: 5 goalies played over 65 games, only Brodeur made it past the 2nd round.

01-02: 12 goalies played over 65 games, none made it past the 2nd round (and only 2 made it past the 1st round).

00-01: 8 goalies played over 65 games, only Brodeur made it past the 2nd round.


Basically, Brodeur is the only goalie who's been able to handle that workload in recent years. Every other goalie who's played that much hockey in the season has had trouble succeeding in the playoffs. Rather than assuming that Luongo can handle that many games (he has after all, only been in the playoffs once in his career), I'd rather see the Canucks get a backup that can play at least 10-15 games and be counted on to win. History shows pretty clearly that goalies who play the number of games Luongo tends to go nowhere in the playoffs unless they're named Martin Brodeur.

Keep in mind Brodeur and his Devils have far less traveling time then alot of teams.

i think you are right. kolzig is wicked yet makes quite a bit, is he ufa? i know he had a NTC. will he retire?

Yes he and Huet are UFA's.

Huge mistake bringing him back. Florida didnt want him Phoenix didnt want him, Boston has him, not sure why we would want him now. Unreal how alot of canuck fans dont see things at a deep level. He is not a very good goalie anymore. Awful move.

Dude. Get your facts straight. Florida has terminal idiots in their front office and had the patience of a tick when dealing with Auld's development. Not only that but they had a HORRIBLE team in front of him not much he could do there. Phoenix sent him down only after they picked up Bryz. Not much he could do there Either. He played AWESOME in Boston. Amazing what happens when a Goaltender has a good team in front of him.

i write off alot of players. and i will say it now, patrick white will not make the nhl. can someone quote me on this? thanks.

Let's put a bet on it...you delete your account if White makes the NHL...

Basically, Brodeur is the only goalie who's been able to handle that workload in recent years.

Amazingly, Brodeur hasn't played fewer than 65 games since the lock-out shortened 94/95 season. He played in 40 of 48 games that season, which pro-rates to 68 games. Wow.

I doubt Auld will come back to Van. He was supposed to replace Luongo as Florida's no.1 goalie and failed. If he plays here, their could be tension between the two and he wouldn't want to live in Luongo's shadow again.

A good backup option would be Curtis Joseph or Olaf Kolzig. Cujo would probably be cheaper though.