The "Extend Budaj" Bandwagon

[Et le But]

I liked Budaj last year, and at this point I can't see us replacing him without overpaying or bringing up Tokarski (who could be an NHL backup someday but deserves patience).

Whatever his flaws as a goalie, he has the mental strength needed to be a backup in Montreal, a brutal job.

I'm sure I will hear how awful he is and how we should have Biron or Auld or whatever after his next bad period, and it will happen. He's not perfect, but he will do the job asked of him; it won't always be pretty, it won't always be effective, but he will hold his own. If anyone earned an extension, if they want one, it's St. Peter.

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[googlymoogly]

As long as Bergie waits until season is over. Every time he extends a player they start playing poorly.

 

[Lionel Mandrake]

Budaj's proven to be a quality teammate, as in he can play the cheerleader role even when not playing for a long stretch. That along with his reasonable cap hit and good performance when called upon this year should be enough to put him at the top of the list.

 

[Agnostic]

There is also growing evidence that Budaj should play more games.

 

[VilleEmardHabs]

Budaj

 

[rockjngo]

I believe Budaj wants to return, he loves the city and fans. Playing 10 games a season for $1.5 million is every backup's dream.

 

[Hoople]

I hated him in his first two games this season.

I am loving the effort and skills after those two games.

He is what this team needs in a backup and I am not afraid to admit that I was wrong in criticizing him after those two lost games.

 

[Ohashi_Jouzu*]

A guy who can step in every once in a while, be almost as efficient as the starter statistically, and pick up big wins... usually doesn't make you go looking for a replacement any time soon.

 

[uiCk]

he's very solid, perfect back-up, that could step in when needed and perform

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

There is also growing evidence that Budaj should play more games.

I think he should play more games. Price plays a hell of a lot of hockey man. I know he's a workhorse but it makes sense for him to rest a little here and there.

 

[Darz]

1 year $1.5M sounds like a good deal to me.

I see this working for both side.

See this happening before next Wednesday

edit: ah...just remembering the posters who thought Auld was a better back up....ahhh, good times

 

[Carey Cost*]

Aren't hockey players getting paid by the games they play? Or is it different for goalies?

Either way,
Price lets 4 in his a horkhorse.
Backup goalie lets 1 in his just a backup goalie.

Budaj plays next game, Price sits. If Budaj wins Budaj plays the game after.

Give Price the time to earn his spot for once...

 

[NewHabsEra*]

Agree Buday is an amazing backup. re-sign the guy quick!

 

[Hackett]

He's going to have some bad games. That's why he's a backup. But if he likes and accepts his role in Montreal, knowing that he's the clear backup behind a workhorse goaltender, then I would welcome him back.

 

[Alexdaman]

2 years 1.5M$ each seems fine to me, like that if Tokarski or Mayer can eventually make the NHL jump next season or the one after, we can trade him for a good return.

 

[ottawa]

I was against this signing at first, but Budaj won me over after his last win. And the one against the Bruins last night was just amazing, I'm on the bandwagon!

 

[Monctonscout]

He is 5-0-0 1.59 and .930 since the Buffalo game.

 

[sharks9]

Give him a few more games before the playoffs so Price can be rested. With 15 games left Budaj should get around 5.

 

[Leon Lucius Black]

He seems like an awesome teammate too, you can tell the guys all love him. Definitely deserves a one year extension for his work this year.

 

[JLP]

I liked Budaj last year, and at this point I can't see us replacing him without overpaying or bringing up Tokarski (who could be an NHL backup someday but deserves patience).

Whatever his flaws as a goalie, he has the mental strength needed to be a backup in Montreal, a brutal job.

(...)If anyone earned an extension, if they want one, it's St. Peter.

Agree on all counts, and I'll add he has very nice hair.

I'll go one further, and I know it is almost impossible that this would happen but wouldn't it be bold and interesting if MT used Budaj as a shootout specialist? Price has always seemed to struggle in shootouts.

 

[Fergy22]

Agree on all counts, and I'll add he has very nice hair.

I'll go one further, and I know it is almost impossible that this would happen but wouldn't it be bold and interesting if MT used Budaj as a shootout specialist? Price has always seemed to struggle in shootouts.

Not sure who is better but last night the NBCSN announcers were wondering if they would put Price back in for the shootout as they thought he was good at those. Budaj is 1-1 in shootouts this year counting last night's win.

 

[Tabarouette]

he's a backup other teams wish they had, it's that simple

1-2 years 1.5/y

 

[JLP]

Not sure who is better but last night the NBCSN announcers were wondering if they would put Price back in for the shootout as they thought he was good at those. Budaj is 1-1 in shootouts this year counting last night's win.

Hmmm, can't find an up-to-date detailed shootout record list.

 

[beowulf]

Budaj

Excellent first post. Welcome you should fit right in.

 

[Kriss E]

Budaj may want to go somewhere where he'll play more than 15ish games and possibly challenge the #1 spot. So, I think it'll depend on what he wants.
If he's okay playing behind Price, then ya, lock him up.