Rate and keeper advice please...

[Sverige]

Hi All,

First off, thanks for your help.

Now to the details: H-to-H with scoring as follows--
Skaters: G, A, P, +/-, PIM, SOG, PPP
Goaltending: W, SO, GAA, SV%

Skaters: Datsyuk, Ovie, Gaborik, Bobby Ryan, Steen, Burrows, Neal, Mikko Koivu, Eberle, Vishnovsky, Byfuglien (IR), Streit, Hamhuis, Quincey, MA Bergeron

Goalies: Miller, Vokoun, Bachman, Sanford

I'm currently 9/10 after winning last year. It seems that most of the team has been slumping with the exception of Eberle (who I activated off my prospect list last month), Neal and recently Datsyuk.

I have tried to trade for another keeper goalie knowing that Vokoun's days are numbered to no avail.

I can keep 7... I'm thinking Eberle, Ovie, Datsyuk, Byfuglien and Miller for sure. After that it could be some combo of Neal, Gaborik, Ryan or another goalie if I can trade.

We also have 3 prospects we can carry but once we activate them that's it. I currently have Bernier, Eddie Lack and Cody Hodgson.

Thanks in advance

[Mike]

Eddie Lack will be a nice longer term prospect for you to hold. Nice choice. Vokoun's only 35, so he probably has another good year or two left in the tank. The main problem for you with Vokoun is that he's on a one year deal with Washington. When do you have to make your keeper choices? Are you looking to make a move to improve for this season or are you pretty much looking ahead to next year? If it's the latter, I bet you can package Vokoun (after a short hot streak here) and a forward to upgrade in net. For instance, I would think Vokoun + Neal (or Ryan) should land you a legit #1.

[Sverige]

Keepers aren't due until late summer so I can get a bead on Vokoun's situation next year by the time I have to make up my mind. I really do want to trade him if I can.

I think I'm done this year, I really just want to shore up some goalie talent to start next year off on the right foot. I tried packaging Vokoun with Ryan, Neal and/or Burrows in different combinations but my league-mates aren't biting.

What do you think of Bernier? Is there a legitimate chance he or Quick may get traded? Is he worth holding onto or should I go in another direction for the future?

Much appreciated

[Mike]

I don't see Quick being moved at all. He'll be 26 next month and he's one of the league's top goalies. LA has him for another year after this with a cap hit under $2 Million.

Bernier, on the other hand, has probably lost a little value as a trade centerpiece. Even though these are probably small sample statistics, his numbers this season haven't been great at all (sub .900 SV%). I don't think he is the goalie of the future in LA, and they have a lot of pressure to move him (and perhaps have lost some incentive with his perceived value having dropped a little).

Which goalies did you target with Vokoun + X?

That's great news that you'll know about Vokoun's contract status before you have to pick keepers. Are you allowed to trade draft picks?

[Sverige]

Yes, draft picks are fair game. I tried for Rinne, Price, Lundqvist, Quick and Niemi. The other top tier guys are on teams in the running that aren't hurting at wing and getting lots of wins due to strong goalie performance. Vokoun just hasn't been that attractive this season.

I have to grab another goalie prospect going forward and maybe bundle Bernier into a trade. There just aren't many options as Schneider, Markstrom, Griess, Bobkov and Lehner are taken.

[Jonesie550]

I would seriously consider trying to deal Ryan Miller for somebody. He sabers are in a really bad place as a team and no matter how good Moller plas they are going to continue to lose

[dlscowby22]

Personally, in the next years draft, i would try to pick up rask or schneider. yes, they are backups, but thomas is getting up there, and luongo, who knows what the future holds. both of these are elite goalies and can help once they become full timers. maybe VAN trades schneider. if he becomes the number 1 somewhere watch out!

[Jonesie550]

I agree w/ that last post. I think Loungo is on the downside of a pretty solid career. Thomas on the other hand seems to be getting better. I think if he can stay away from injury he can be a top 5 goalie in the league for at least 5 more years. One thing is for sure Tuuka Rask or Cory Schneider could be starters anywhere in the league

[Sverige]

I agree with you both. Funny thing, the same owner has Schneider locked up as a prospect and has Rask on active roster. He's also in 1st place and has so far been unwilling to trade. At least Vokoun played well last night. Things may turn around yet.....