Lets not get carried away, look at everything about Halak's demeanor and personality. He isn't into flash, he's quiet but when he speaks, he speaks the truth, he doesn't say the usual PR stuff that players are coached to say.
Do you really think he's at peace with himself and the organisation? If so, you're not paying attention to his past mutterings, perhaps because they're more muted than those of some other players. However, make no mistake, either he's channeling Walsh or Walsh is using him as a ventriloquist's dummy. The playoffs opened Halak's eyes. He's fully aware that teams better than the Habs might be interested in him. One way he might get the best possible contract in Montréal or elsewhere is to ask for a trade. Another route might be to wait for an offer sheet.
As much as Walsh and Halak have complained about not getting fair treatment, we didn't once hear Price or his agent say he wasn't getting fair treatment and that he demanded a trade because he wasn't #1 anymore.
Price was always deemed the favourite and received special treatment, but for some reason he seems less controversial and easier to please than that of Halak and Walsh.
I think Walsh is telling his client he has wrote his cheque, and it doesn't have to be with Montreal.
Signing Halak to a one-year deal is not a good idea. Yeah, it gives him a chance to further "prove" himself, but it could also make him much more expensive to keep or it could cause him to leave as a UFA. If the team believes in him, now is the time they have to show it.
I think the best option is to KEEP BOTH... It's the less risky situation.
If it's clear next year that Halak is for real, keep him.
If Halak cool off, trade him.
There is more chance that Halak could not repeat his stats than the reverse.
There is more chance that Price improve his record than the reverse.
The question is: Who would be the better.. nobody knows.
But for me, Price IS the best goalie for long term....
I think the best option is to KEEP BOTH... It's the less risky situation.
If it's clear next year that Halak is for real, keep him.
If Halak cool off, trade him.
There is more chance that Halak could not repeat his stats than the reverse.
There is more chance that Price improve his record than the reverse.
The question is: Who would be the better.. nobody knows.
But for me, Price IS the best goalie for long term....
I think you would see Halak and Walsh demand a trade, as Price I think would use that one year to prove his worth. To me Walsh is saying Halak proved himself and deserves a long term deal and the #1 starter position, be it in Monteal or elsewhere...he wouldn't be the first agent to force a teams hand for a client.
As much as Walsh and Halak have complained about not getting fair treatment, we didn't once hear Price or his agent say he wasn't getting fair treatment and that he demanded a trade because he wasn't #1 anymore.
Price was always deemed the favourite and received special treatment, but for some reason he seems less controversial and easier to please than that of Halak and Walsh.
I think Walsh is telling his client he has wrote his cheque, and it doesn't have to be with Montreal.
That's because Price has always been royalty here. Nothing against the guy; that's just how it's been. Halak's first real shake at the job was only this January, without resorting to Price immediately after a loss again. It's just how they were handled. Price has little to complain about, and that's why he never has.
That's because Price has always been royalty here. Nothing against the guy; that's just how it's been. Halak's first real shake at the job was only this January, without resorting to Price immediately after a loss again. It's just how they were handled. Price has little to complain about, and that's why he never has.
But, he could of pulled the prima-donna and demanded a trade or to be played too. He didn't, and I think we saw a more mature Price coming from this as he has never had to be the back up at any level.
if his contract demands are ridiculous maybe deal him to SJ in a package for clowe - or the blues for backes or Dallas for benn or neal....
then sign a vet backup for price...like a biron...desjardins needs another year in the AHL.
Blues wont be trading Backes ,,, Guy is a heart and soul player for them
Stars dont need a goalie with the contract they gave Lehtonen
As much as Walsh and Halak have complained about not getting fair treatment, we didn't once hear Price or his agent say he wasn't getting fair treatment and that he demanded a trade because he wasn't #1 anymore.
Price was always deemed the favourite and received special treatment, but for some reason he seems less controversial and easier to please than that of Halak and Walsh.
I think Walsh is telling his client he has wrote his cheque, and it doesn't have to be with Montreal.
Price was also the favored child for years. Halak could not have hoped to stay in goal for longer than a handful of games when Carbo and Gainey ran the show. Look at the previous playoff runs, Halak played one game in spite of Price faltering in a combined sixteen playoff games. This season he had to decimate Price is every way possible, while Price struggled to finally secure the starter position and I firmly believe Martin had more to do with that than we know.
Halak had a right to demand a trade and his agent was hardly unreasonable. Halak was being ignored and now has become our golden boy. Walsh has every reason in the world to slap us for this.
If Price has a rough start next season, and Halak is tearing it up elsewhere in the NHL, how the hell do you think the fans willreact to this? They will never forgive Price.
I know you'll all come back and say: "**** the Bell Centre crowd!" or "Just get them out!" or "Who cares?!"... This is not the way it works. We'll end up with our hands empty, once again, and we'll have let both goalies go in the end.
The Bell Centre crowd already is on Price's back, it just will get even worst if Halak gets traded.
No matter what happens, there's a huge risk to be taken by Gauthier next summer. But reading Walsh's and Halak's comments, I don't think keeping both is an option anymore.
fair enough. What about the reverse situation, to borrow your words:
If (Halak) has a rough start next season, and (Price) is tearing it up elsewhere in the NHL, how the hell do you think the fans will react to this? They will never forgive (Halak).
the crowd can be very fickle and unkind sometimes
I like the idea of keeping Halak. I don't like the idea of a meddling agent who likes to talk too much at the wrong time. I think keeping Price is a good idea too. Come to think of it, who is Price's agent? I don't recall hearing a lot of petty whining from him
Halak had a right to demand a trade and his agent was hardly unreasonable. Halak was being ignored and now has become our golden boy. Walsh has every reason in the world to slap us for this.
Wait a minute. I thought nobody asked for a trade? Hmmmm
