I agree to an extent. While Mason has proven to be the far superior backup to Biron, he's yet to prove he can be a solid starter for an entire season.
But I don't think anyone is salivating over Biron. If they were truly salivating, he'd be wearing the jersey of the team with the most drool. He's got good value, but it's not like he has several years of good numbers under his belt. His numbers have been quite underwhelming since his debut as a full-time starter. Certain teams in this league desire a solid starter, which Biron is. But teams don't salivate over mediocrity. And Biron's numbers for the past four seasons have hovered around that point.
True, but playing 20 games in a row should give an indication that this guy is ready to be "the man". That is impressive in itself.
I agree to an extent. While Mason has proven to be the far superior backup to Biron, he's yet to prove he can be a solid starter for an entire season.
But I don't think anyone is salivating over Biron. If they were truly salivating, he'd be wearing the jersey of the team with the most drool. He's got good value, but it's not like he has several years of good numbers under his belt. His numbers have been quite underwhelming since his debut as a full-time starter. Certain teams in this league desire a solid starter, which Biron is. But teams don't salivate over mediocrity. And Biron's numbers for the past four seasons have hovered around that point.
Well, I know that when the trade deadlines come - i.e. last year and sneaking up on us this year - a lot of the 'media watch' is on the Biron sweepstakes. I know that Marty was irritated last year that he did not get a trade, and I know he is looking to get out this year...at 2.2 million or so, I think with his age and maturity/long term stick around value - he is a good value as a starter. And, last year winning 13 or 14 in a row for the Sabres when Ryan (Miller) first went down for a long stretch, was his claim to 'legit' starter fame...FWIW The other thing is this...I don't know if I'm a Pred fan I want Mason to get traded. Is Pekka ready for the bench, even coming in to play maybe 10 - 20 down the stretch for you? This might not be Mason's year to leave you guys...It would be neat to get an 'inside story' as to him maybe saying he is wanting a 'shot' on the open market to start somewhere else...
No way we will get rid of him, unless we are offered a deal we can't turn down...which would have to be very RICH. Poile has plenty of foresight, I believe he'll do the right thing.
In LA, Cloutier is out indefinetly and Garon was put on IR. ..just a thought.. I dont know what we would want from them other than players they wouldnt part with [Frolov, Kopitar]
In LA, Cloutier is out indefinetly and Garon was put on IR. ..just a thought.. I dont know what we would want from them other than players they wouldnt part with [Frolov, Kopitar]
I don't want to trade Mason at all this season, but if it happens...I wouldn't mind Norstrom coming to the Predators. Big, mean stay-at-home veteran defenseman. If we could get him without moving any of our key prospects, I'm all for it.
However, I do not want the Predators to trade Mason at all! We need two solid goalies for a deep playoff push this season and although Mason's trade value is at it's highest point ever...we do not have any depth in the goaltending department at present and I believe that the relationship Mason and Vokoun have is unique and wouldn't want to separate them midseason.
Mason will be here next year until Rinne is ready and then traded at the deadline if we're comfortable with Pekka. If not, he'll be here until the end of his contract. It makes no sense to leave ourselves with no reasonable back-up with Vokoun having been out two years in a row.
Mason will be here next year until Rinne is ready and then traded at the deadline if we're comfortable with Pekka. If not, he'll be here until the end of his contract. It makes no sense to leave ourselves with no reasonable back-up with Vokoun having been out two years in a row.
Unless a proven backup was part of what was coming back our way.
Honestly, I wouldn't be COMPLETELY surprised to see Mason dealt before the year is out. I hope not, but I wouldn't be shocked, either.
I suppose if Mase could have predicted he'd play so many games and play so well, he'd have just signed a one year deal. I wouldn't doubt he'll be traded before the deadline next year. Glad to have him this year as good insurance.
I remember his first or second game as a Pred. Back in 99-2000 or so. He played well but lost when the puck went up to the rafters and then plunked into the net off his back shoulder as everyone looked around trying to figure out where the puck had gone. I think he lost 2-1.
I thought at the time that this kid was pretty good, but that he was lost in the crowd of other, younger, goaltenders we had and that at his age he'd probably never make the bigs to stay. I felt bad, thinking he was a career minor leaguer who seemed better then that. Glad I was wrong and a few years later he did make it up.
The other thing is this...I don't know if I'm a Pred fan I want Mason to get traded. Is Pekka ready for the bench, even coming in to play maybe 10 - 20 down the stretch for you? This might not be Mason's year to leave you guys...It would be neat to get an 'inside story' as to him maybe saying he is wanting a 'shot' on the open market to start somewhere else...
