Boom Boom Apathy
I am the Professor. Deal with it!
- Sep 6, 2006
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Canes have 35 games left in the season, and 17 of them are before the trade deadline. Until the Canes are truly out of it, I see the mix of starts remaining as it is today, (Ward getting 2 starts for every 1 that Lack gets). Once it's clear the Canes are out of it, I can then see Lack getting the lion share of the starts to show if he can be a starter next year or not.
I agree with Wally though, Lack hasn't shown he can take the reigns yet and unless he does, it will be very hard to bring Ward back and go with "more of the same" next year.
Knowing what you now today, would you be willing to have a goaltending tandem of:
Eddie Lack
Unknown quantity
I think Lack is better than he's shown and needs both more games and to figure out to work with a goaltending coach to fix those tendencies that get him in trouble...maybe not Marcoux but somebody. He's quick and has great reflexes. There's no reason his numbers cannot and should not improve.
That's not the only option though. There will be some more known quantities on the market this offseason. Just because Ward is "known", doesn't mean it's the best option.
If the Canes fall out of the race, he should get a chance to show that. If they stay in it, Ward will get more starts and he won't get the chance. I don't think the Canes view Ward as a viable starter next year, but I think they would easily take him back at a reduced salary as a back-up. If Lack can't show that he's starter material, it would leave them in the position of either getting rid of Lack or not signing Ward IMO.
I would urge you to take a look at the free agent goalie pool....even the goalies that might be available via trade. It ain't a pretty sight.
I have a feeling he will, though, if he is, I raelly hope that it's at substantially less than 6.3m.
I will say though that I am not so sure I like this whole 1a//1b thing. If we think Läck can be the starter, then let him be the starter and go find someone who is a definite back up.
I say yes. Since December his stats are like at the top of the league. Lack has yet to prove he can be a #1 guy here. I think they would perfer to have the goalies in Charlotte get another 2-3 years before coming in.
I can see them signing him at a good discount (especially since he's been vocal about wanting to stay) and start to transition him into a back-up role and get Lack more starts in hopes he can become the #1.
So yes, I say a 2 year deal.
I would give Ward like 3 years x 4m. He has his shortcomings, but he's better than what we could likely replace him with.
I think if Altshuller keeps up his trend then he'll be up here mid year next year or at the very least starting the 2017-18 season.