Yes - I agree. I don't like this deal right now. But, there is also no doubt that Theodore can be a better goalie than Aebischer can - but he has to regain his form. Some say that Theo needed to get out of Montreal for a whole slew of off-ice reasons as well. While it looks bad now, Lacroix could once again come away looking like a genius a year from now. I honestly see this as a move not for this year but for next - Colorado has some cap room coming up, some good young talent in premium positions and not a great shot at beating the Detroits and Calgarys of the West this season.
The only thing that I'll agree with you on, Weedy, is that Theodore needed to get out of Montreal. I just think that the Avs blew what chance they had at a run for the Cup this year. How can you go with Theodore as your number one? He's had one of his worst seasons ever, and he won't even be available until late March/early April. I think that if you want Jose to regain his form, the Avs should go with Budaj as their number one and let Theodore fight for that spot. Don't just give it to him, have him earn it.
I don't think they traded their number one goalie for a $4 million 1st string goalie to have him 'earn it' from Budaj. It's clear that they expect Theodore to be the number one. I'm just saying that Theodore was, not too long ago (though it may seem so) one of the best goalies on the planet. He has a better chance of reaching that plateau than Aebischer does. Given that he's not even going to be ready until the playoffs I think it makes it clear that Colorado is hoping to have some magic happen that will lead them into Cup contention - but primarily makes this deal to upgrade the goalie position long-term. It's just a really risky upgrade in light of the poor season Theo has had. And I think that if you're being honest - Colorado's chance at a Cup run this year is going to be predicated on getting some magic from the hockey gods, getting hot at the right time and having a post-season like the Flames did last time out. They are weak in their own end and have mediocre depth. I put them in the same category as Los Angeles. Sure they've got a shot - but it ain't a great one and I don't think Aebischer was going to be the goalie to carry them any way. Apparently, niether did Lacroix. If Theodore can rediscover some of his former glory than this deal really starts looking good next year. Or he carries them to the Cup on his back this year. Either way, it's a potential upgrade in net - not a legit one.
I don't think they traded their number one goalie for a $4 million 1st string goalie to have him 'earn it' from Budaj. It's clear that they expect Theodore to be the number one. I understand that, I was just speculating. Maybe that's what Theodore needs, besides a perfomance enhancing masking agent. I just think that Theodore is looking more like a flash-in-the-pan, and Aebischer (my opinion) is coming into his own as a goaltender.
02 Playoffs he went to the conf. finals I believe. Incorrect. They beat Boston in the first round, lost to Carolina in the second round. You are confusing the Habs with the Leafs!
But they got past the first round. We both stand corrected.
And beating Boston is basically Theodore's only claim to fame. He topped off a great season by stealing this series all by himself. He then proceeded to implode against the Hurricanes, and has never been quite the same since. I agree there's more upside for the Avs in this trade, but there's a lot of risk.
You are confusing the Habs with the Leafs! Is that better or worse than getting my chocolate in your peanut butter?
