AHL goalie wanted.

I know this is probably a bit soon for affiliate talk but...

With the Red Wings planning on bringing over SEL shamp Stefan Liv to Grand Rapids this summer, this leaves former AHL goalie of the year Marc Lamothe up for grabs. From what I hear, they plan on letting Lamothe explore other options. Apparently he is talking with a couple of teams in the DEL. I know that Brian Eklund had a supurb season in the ECHL, but I don't know if he is ready to handle becoming a #1 goalie in the AHL this coming season. Enter Lamothe. He did wonders in mentoring Joey MacDonald. I know the whole team as a whole had a very dissapointing playoff run, but he is a veteran goalie who would be a solid #3, as well as a great mentor for Brian Eklund, and maybe Boutin/Coleman. I think Jay Feaster should at least inquire about Lamothe for our #1 in the AHL. With Lamothe in net, I'm hoping we don't have another disastor like in Detroit, Cleveland, etc. Marc played a couple games this season in the NHL and played extremly well. So in case barring an injury to Khabi or Grahame (knock on wood) we wouldn't have to rely on an unproven Eklund. Thoughts?

I think Eklund will succeed in whatever task you give him. He will work with the lightning and Reese all summer, just like he did last offseason. He improved so much, and he will continue to improve. I think if they were to give him the number 1 job, he could handle it. it might be a little much as first, but he always does well in whatever situation you give him. If he does end up as the backup (which I think he will) i hope they give him and the starter a little less than equal time. I dont want eks to lose hisconfidence..but playing backup could be good because it will get him farmiliar with the league.

Feaster will sign a veteran AHL goalie that can also serve as the TBL's emergency #3, so you are on track with Jay's thinking in this matter. Eklund will not be relied upon to shoulder the Falcons netminding duties, nor will he be counted upon to serve as an emergency NHL backup.

I've not managed to get any information from the organization as to who might be on the *short list* of possible vets other than the confirmation that Norrena's name is in the pot.

Feaster will sign a veteran AHL goalie that can also serve as the TBL's emergency #3, so you are on track with Jay's thinking in this matter. Eklund will not be relied upon to shoulder the Falcons netminding duties, nor will he be counted upon to serve as an emergency NHL backup.

I've not managed to get any information from the organization as to who might be on the *short list* of possible vets other than the confirmation that Norrena's name is in the pot.

Exactly. Eklund is improving, but the Falcons and the organization will be better off with a proven veteran AHL goalie. From what I hear, Lamothe is debating between heading to Europe, or staying in the AHL. That might be a downside, but I really think the Lightning should give this guy a call and go from there.

I still want Frederic Cassivi. Don't know if he's available or what the Thrashers plans are with him... but he plays a big man's game in net and we have so many big goalies coming through the pipeline who could learn from him.

-Pete Choquette

Any truth to the rumor that Jean-Marc Pelletier might be available? The goaltenders (Pelletier & David LeNeveu) were co-MVP's last season on a bad Falcons team.

I'm fearful, and reluntant to even utter his name, of a signing of Dieter Kochan as the AHL *vet* for Tampa's AHL team.

Don't even entertain such thoughts, Ex.

Kochan was a Dudley project... someone he could point to, should he succeed, and say, "What a good scout am I!"

It failed badly, though Kochan's a slightly above average AHL goaltender (who lost his job last year, but I digress).

I think you'll see someone a little more proven. Maybe Pelletier. That's a good option should he be available. Feaster likes the familiar and will no doubt listen to SF's opinions.

Kochan played here in Springfield for one season and, again, he was a fan favorite. However, I agree that he will not be signed here and I still think they may go after Pelts.

I wouldnt mind seeing another year of Eklund in the ECHL. :)

I could live with Pelletier although he has too slow of feet to be effective in the NHL should he ever need recalling.

-Pete Choquette

I wouldnt mind seeing another year of Eklund in the ECHL. :)

Me either..Thats being selfish though. He deserves to be in the A and he also needs it to continue to improve..the A will do that for him..but I surely wouldnt mind seeing him here again :)

The only way Eklund will be in the ECHL next season is if he completely bombs in Springfield (which is hard to imagine). And even then, I think the organization will give him an entire season to prove himself. Konstantinov was given a entire season in Springfield, and he had no where near the track record of improvement that Eklund has shown the past two seasons. He may struggle some as he adjusts to the increased skill and speed, but I doubt he'll bomb out so bad that he is returned to Pensacola.

Let's not forget nobody knew what to expect of LeNeveu. Pelts was a great help to him and Lenny improved game after game. Konstantinov actually led the Falcons in wins (13) in 2002-03, but Pelts was acquired mid-season. Kochan had 21 wins and a 2.67 GAA in 2001-02.