Even the most biased of Vancouver Canucks supporters will tell you that the New Jersey Devils clearly won the draft-day deal that saw Cory Schneider somewhat unexpectedly sent to the Devils for the ninth overall pick that the Canucks used to select Bo Horvat. After all, no one knows what kind of NHLer Horvat will be, while Schneider has established himself as a number one goalie during the abbreviated season that just ended. But looking immediately ahead, the fact that Schneider has been a starting goalie doesn't matter as much as whether he will be the starting goalie for the Devils this season.
According to Devils' GM Lou Lamoriello, Martin Brodeur is "still a number one goalie" with the "question of how much he can play" (CBS Sports). Although this statement doesn't mean that Brodeur will still be the number one goalie, it didn't exactly mean that the Devils will attempt to ease their 19-year starting goalie into retirement next season. Brodeur has accomplished everything that an NHL goalie can accomplish over his career, yet he appears intent on continuing his career as long as he can. The dropoff has already begun, as Brodeur recorded just a .901 SV% while the Devils unexpectedly missed the playoffs. However, don't expect Lamoriello to alienate the future Hall of Famer by implying that he is the backup, a mistake that Canucks management made last season with Roberto Luongo.
What this all means is that with the trade, Schneider's fantasy value could decline, at least short-term. Given the Devils' track record of stifling defense, this move should turn out very for Schneider following Brodeur's departure if the Devils stick to what they've always been known for. (Note that I use the word "departure" instead of "retirement", since Brodeur may not necessarily retire a Devil. Case in point: Daniel Alfredsson. Just thought I'd get that in.) Just how many starts each will receive remains to be seen, but we do know that Brodeur's days of 70 starts per season are done. We also know that the two goalies should split back-to-back games, since Brodeur and Johan Hedberg have done so the past few seasons. If you then split the difference, then this situation has many of the characteristics of a timeshare arrangement.
Unless further information develops over the summer and in training camp, both goalies will likely be outside of the top 10 to target on draft day. Schneider could be one to consider after the first run of goalies has come and gone, while Brodeur is probably only a mid-rounder in average-sized leagues at this point in his career. With the recent trade, Schneider's keeper value probably shouldn't change, but hopefully he won't have already celebrated his 30th birthday before he settles in as a full-time NHL goalie.
Just to provide you with a reason to check back, my next blog will be on another player that my friends and I have discussed at length on Twitter recently: Tyler Seguin.
No comments:
Post a Comment