Habs Land #1 Tender - Ecklunde Did you see this coming?

[Beerfund]

"- The Habs have one of the most impressive lineups right now in the league, but they need to get a better #1 goalie. Ideally they would like to move Esche + something to do that, but they may be forced to part with Cam Ward to get a guy that can take them to CPHL glory" Ecklunde 06/18/2006

Well, the Habs have made the move (pending league aproval) to bring in a top netminder. We gave up more than we wanted to, but you don't win without goaltending. Now, can the Habs move into CPHL glory land? There's still some holes, but they are much smaller now. Details TBA

[Preds GM - CPHL]

will be interesting to see who it is...one of the better CPHL lineups

[nyrcrisfer]

hmmm interesting, not many of them on the block. My guess would be Lalime or Nabakov from Florida

[Beerfund]

The Montreal Canadiens have called a press conference to announce the aquisition of a quality number one, franchise goalie.
Fernandez - was an very interesting candidate
Nabokov - would have fit the bill
Kipprusof - didn't actually try him
Lalime - could be moved for less than the price I paid, but...
The Canadiens are pleased to announce Thomas Vokoun as their number one goalie for the 2006-07 season. Robert Esche will be pegged as the back-up. Here's how it all shakes down:
Players/Picks from: New York Islanders

1. Vokoun, Tomas (G) NHL
2. Reinprecht, Steve (C) NHL
3. Sarauer, Andrew (LW) NHL

Players/Picks from: Montreal Canadiens

1. Ward, Cam (G) NHL
2. Campbell, Greg (LW) AHL
3. Lang, Robert (C) NHL
4. Williams, Jeremy (C) AHL
The Habs would like to thank GM Wu for the spirited, intellegent but respectful negotiations which were on again off again for several weeks. Eat that Ecklunde

[HelloHockeyFans]

[HelloHockeyFans]

Yes, it's true.

The Isles moved their number one goalie today for rookie and Conn Smythe winner Cam Ward, the 80 OV much-moved Bob Lang, young forward Jeremy Williams, who should probably make the NHL Leafs next season, and another prospect, Greg Campbell, rated a 6.0A at hockey's future.

General Manager Wu would like to thank GM Cook for the smooth negotiations. Believe it or not, there were probably about 5 or 6 offers being tossed back and forth, countered and re-countered. Both GMs almost backed out of the deal a few times after sleeping on the discussions, but after several weeks, a deal was agreed to Wednesday evening.

"Parting with a true number one goalie is never an easy thing," Wu said, "but we believe Cam Ward is well on his way to becoming a number one goalie (if not already as shown in the playoffs). Lang will be a huge boost to our group up front, and adding two additional high-quality prospects was something we simply could not turn down."

[JiriHrdina]

Very even deal. Really too close to call. Bob Lang fills a big hole for the Isles and they could have their #1 goalie in place for a very long time with Ward.

But they downgrade in goal hurts the Isles this season. Still though - good return

But for the Habs - that pretty much fills their last hole. Now its a matter of tweaking and seeing what the sim spits out for that team.

[MJK]

There is a possibility that Thomas Vocoun may never play again. Wasn't his injury quite serious?

[flambers]

Wow very interesting deal.............good job GMs!!!!

[flambers]

Originally Posted by MJK

There is a possibility that Thomas Vocoun may never play again. Wasn't his injury quite serious?

Yep, any time a player has a blood dissorder that is really scary....

[Mccree]

Originally Posted by flambers

Yep, any time a player has a blood dissorder that is really scary....

As long as he does not retire, he call still play in the CPHL this year with us using SIM injuries this year right?

[MJK]

Originally Posted by Mccree

As long as he does not retire, he call still play in the CPHL this year with us using SIM injuries this year right?

I think it has already been stated that if a player has a long term injury, he probably won't be allowed to play....a guy like Jiri Fischer for example.

[JiriHrdina]

I don't think its a concern. I've not read anything suggesting that Vokoun's in any immediate long-term trouble. The concern (based on my total lack of medical knowledge) would be a reoccurance of the problem I suppose. But he should be good to go come start of season.

[HelloHockeyFans]

Hmm... I can honestly say I had no idea about this injury being career-threatening until Dave told me after the deal... I even thought it was a sprain or something!!