Mere hours after announcing that they were packing it in for the season, the New Jersey Devils would like to announce a huge trade.
To New Jersey:
G Peter Budaj
D Cory Sarich
SJ 2nd 2009
To San Jose:
G Ed Belfour
D Mattias Ohlund
Min 1st 2008
$6.5 million in cap room
This was hands down the best fit for us, one of those deals you don't even really have to think twice about. It resolves our goaltending issues for a long time as I truly believe Budaj is proving himself as a starting goalie in the NHL, and his ratings should reflect that next season. I believe going forward, between Budaj and Harding, the Devils are set in net for the long-term, and now we can work on building the rest of our team.
Obviously we are taking a substantial hit at defense today, but I have enjoyed seeing Sarich play this year and, correct or no, think that his solid play will be reflected in improved ratings next season, making this 80-to-74 OV hit hurt a lot less than it does right now.
After this base was agreed to, everything else fell into place. I'd like to thank Ryan for easy negotiations and being open minded in this deal. Originally he wanted my 1st rounder this year! Sorry bud ... that's a Top 5 pick now, guaranteed
As an aside, chest thumping on my part or no, I am so pleased that I have resolved my goalie issues with a true long-term solution. Can't believe I turned Matt Hussey, Niko Dimitrakos, and a 2nd rounder into Belfour, then him into Budaj.
React below!