For those who don't remember, Riopel was an invited player at the Rookie Camp for the habs. He just recently achieved a new record for a goaltender in the QMJHL, which is the lowest GAA for a goaltender, 2.01...I say we give him a shot in the minors next year
I could see them inviting him to camp again this summer. With Desjardins, Lacassse and Mayer all pros next year (I'm assuming Lacasse is back) It will be interesting to see what the Habs do, if they opt to go with another vet like Denis (not sure if he would want to come back or try his luck elsewhere) Desjardins, when he is hot looks to be a very solid goalie for Hamilton but he's still not that experienced at the AHL level.
Clearly the Habs need to improve their prospect depth at the goalie position, I'm sure it's not a major concern when you have Price (21) and Halak (23/24) but with a list of Desjardins, Lacasse, Missiaen and Mayer, that's not too impressive.
As someone who lives in Moncton and sees him on a regular basis - I'd say they'd be crazy not to. What are the downsides to giving him a shot anyhow?
The main downside would be the 50 contract limit, which we might or might not be up against next year. This year we are at 49, with 18 ufa's and Conboy/Mayer/Subban/Fortier and hopefully Paquet added plus hopefully Emelin/McDonagh/Korneev as well if possible.
I see no harm in inviting him to the rookie camp, but then you have to see how he does, if he can outplay one of Robert Mayer or Loic Lacasse. Granted if they liked him, they could go with say Desjardins-Lacasse in Hamilton and Mayer-Riopel in the ECHL or loan one of them to another club. They could get around the 50 contract limit by signing him to an AHL contract as they did with Beauregard and Desharnais in the past.
The main downside would be the 50 contract limit, which we might or might not be up against next year. This year we are at 49, with 18 ufa's and Conboy/Mayer/Subban/Fortier and hopefully Paquet added plus hopefully Emelin/McDonagh/Korneev as well if possible.
I see no harm in inviting him to the rookie camp, but then you have to see how he does, if he can outplay one of Robert Mayer or Loic Lacasse. Granted if they liked him, they could go with say Desjardins-Lacasse in Hamilton and Mayer-Riopel in the ECHL or loan one of them to another club. They could get around the 50 contract limit by signing him to an AHL contract as they did with Beauregard and Desharnais in the past.
Gotcha, thanks for the info - I wasn't sure how it worked. In any event, if he does well at camp I'm sure they could figure something out.
Maybe we should have signed him and let Mayer go to prove himself for one more year...Mayer is so inconsistent...Still not sure if Riopel will become anything more than a career AHLer, but he's worth a shot...probably more than Mayer.
As for Lacasse, I wonder what will happen to him. If they re-sign him, I bet it would be for one more year to see what he can do. Missiean will need to be signed after the next season so they will have to think about the few next year for goaltenders contracts VS. the 50 contracts limit...
Give the kid a shot!! He is absolutely lights out!! He is so quick and agile!! He reminds me a lot of Jaro Halak I saw him play yesterday against Cape Breton. I don't see any harm in giving him an invite to rookie camp again?
Maybe we should have signed him and let Mayer go to prove himself for one more year...Mayer is so inconsistent...Still not sure if Riopel will become anything more than a career AHLer, but he's worth a shot...probably more than Mayer.
As for Lacasse, I wonder what will happen to him. If they re-sign him, I bet it would be for one more year to see what he can do. Missiean will need to be signed after the next season so they will have to think about the few next year for goaltenders contracts VS. the 50 contracts limit...
I live in moncton and I've seen him a bunch of times, and I definatly think we should give him a shot, he's quick and hes able to make huge saves in any clutch situations.
Mayer is bigger and more athletic, but Riopel has great concentration and focus, his work ethic is off the charts. He'll make the NHL someday, I'd sign him over Lacasse any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
As far as the Shawinigan game, that was one of his few bad outing when the Cats were minus 4 regular forwards and he had to carry them for 4-5 weeks, probably just ran out of gas.
What is the deadline date for signing an undrafted UNDERAGE player before he goes back into the draft the next year?
Some time in sept I believe.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carey Price
I'd sign him over Lacasse any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
I know that the Habs like Lacasse from a technical standpoint, Melanson was interviewed during a Hamilton game and spoke highly of Lacasse's technical abilities. Plus he was great when called up to Hamilton, this year (granted a short stay) but I'd be surprised if Lacasse wasn't back next year.
Can't sign any undrafted player that can still be drafted, after sept 15th or so (forget the exact date) once the draft is over and if said player goes undrafted, then you can sign him.
Nicola Riopel will probably get drafted this summer, so unless we draft him before anyone else, we won't be able to sign him.
His numbers (which btw are very impressive) suggest he's getting better annually - certainly the Q's Goalie of the Year is worth a mid to late draft 09 pick to see if he's able to continue that development.
One poster above suggested his glove hand is an issue...anyone agree?
Too late, unless there's a new owner and habs management is fired! (plainly fired) forget about it. They'll never admit they made a mistake regardless of the nationality of the player.
