Let’s take a look at reaction on the stunning Capitals remake. That George McPhee, he’s a kidder isn’t he?
Let’s first start our with a wrap up.
Caps obtain Goalie Cristobal Huet from Montreal in exchange for a 2009 second round pick [second round pick that was obtained from Anaheim in exchange for Brian Sutherby]. That being said, this looks like a Sutherby for Huet trade. I will take that any day and personally, I think this trade was masterful of George McPhee. We essentially lost nothing (Sutherby) but gained a solid goalie how posted a 21-12 record and a 2.56 GAA. Far better than either Olaf Kolzig or Brent Johnson. Caps won’t carry three goalies. What happens now?
Second, Caps obtained much needed second lien Center help by trading defensive prospect Ted Ruth to Columbus for Sergei Fedorov. As we stated in the Fedorov post, not thrilled giving up Ruth, but it is easier to take because of the amount of defensive prospects the organization has stockpiled. In addition, we really did need help at second lien center. The injury to Michael Nylander left a gaping hole that wasn’t filled by current roster options.
Third, Caps obtained Matt Cooke via trade with Vancouver for Matt Pettinger. Good trade. Cook will bring meanness and toughness, old style hockey, something lacking in DC right now. He is superb on the penalty kill and will immediately provide a boost to a struggling caps penalty kill special teams. Petty needed a change of scenery.
CBS Sportsline analysis on the trade that brings Sergei Fedorov
Federov is much older and well past his prime, but this is a deal that could rejuvinate his career, even if it only for the short-term. It’s a good bet that the Russian will probably center countryman Alexander Ovechkin, giving the Capitals a terrifying top line. Federov still has speed, excellent passing skills and is reliable defensively. The former Hart Trophy winner also brings a wealth of playoff experience to Washington. The fact GM George McPhee made this move (in addition to the one for Cristobal Huet earlier Tuesday) suggest the Capitals are extremely serious about not only fighting for a playoff spot, but capturing the Southeast Division and reaffirming their commitment to giving Ovechkin a better cast to work with. Ruth, who was a second-round pick in 2007, is a stay-at-home defenseman, who is probably a couple seasons away from the NHL if he makes it that far.
and on the Huet trade …
With Olaf Kolzig aging and due to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, it was only fitting for GM George McPhee to seek some assistance in net. The only problem is, Huet’s contract also expires in July. In the meantime, Huet improves Washington’s situation in goal. Although he can be streaky, Huet displays incredible poise and rarely caves in high-pressure situations. That should be valuable for Washington down the stretch as they battle for a playoff berth in an extremely close Southeast Division. It is possible the Capitals could platoon Huet and Kolzig until one clearly emerges as the hot goaltender.
From Fan Nation
While the deal was a no-brainer for the Caps, it’s hard to figure out exactly what the upside is for the Canadiens. Whether they would be able to keep — or even wanted to keep — Huet as he headed to free agency this summer was up for debate.
Big winners, big losers…Pierre McGuire: Washington Capitals. “They’ve put themselves in a position to make a run for the Southeast.”
Hmmmm. The Habs entrust their future to Carey Price. Very odd. But a good deal for the Caps. Kolzig has been very shaky and this shores them up in net, maybe for the next couple years if they can sign him.
Cooke adds an element of grit to the Caps. Not sure what Pettinger brings to Vancouver. George McPhee sure is going for it right now, eh?
Okay, so Cristobal Huet heading to Washington is a cheap price for Washington to pay, but the question is what happens to Olie Kolzig or Brent Johnson?? Will one of them be moved or will they keep them all and hope they can play two at a time??
ANOTHER CAPS DEAL– George McPhee burning up the lines by adding Matt Cooke to the line-up from Vancouver for Matt Pettinger.
SAYS BERNSTEIN: Ask Brian Burke the last time Sergei scored a big goal. Caps GM George McPhee could get whacked for this one.
SAYS WYSHYNSKI: Boy, there’s a lot of Russians in DC. If this were 50 years ago, there’d be air raid sirens!!
SAYS PAGNOTTA: This one really came out of left-field. Nobody expected to see the Habs move Huet at this stage. This could set things up for another trade or two along the way.
SAYS WYSHYNSKI: Continuing the passing of the torch on this team away from Hanlon veterans to Bruce Boudreau newbies.
SAYS BERNSTEIN: The price is wrong for Cristobal! Good move for the Caps as Olaf Kolzig is really 57 years old.
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