DENVER, Col – In one of the busiest days so far this season in the trade market, Colorado and Ottawa swapped goaltenders in a bid to give both of their seasons a shot in the arm.
After a superb 2009/10 campaign, Craig Anderson had struggled in the second year of his deal as Avalanche #1. Last season he won 38 games, posted a .917 save percentage and probable deserved consideration for the Hart Trophy, as well as producing a stunning 51 save performance against San Jose in the first round of the play-offs as the Avs won game 3 of the series 1-0.
Unfortunately for Avs fans it’s been like watching a different player this season. Anderson’s save percentage dropped below 90% whilst his goals against average passed the dreaded 3.00 mark. The Illinois native looked increasingly unhappy, frustrated and disinterested in Colorado and recently missed two games for ‘personal reasons’.
With the Avs losing streak standing at 9 games, and Slovak netminder Peter Budaj moving up the pecking order ahead of Anderson, General Manager Greg Sherman pulled the trigger and sent the struggling puck stopper to Ottawa in exchange for another faltering netminder, Brian Elliott.
Despite a hot streak last season, doubts still gather around Ontario born Elliott’s ability to be a #1 at NHL level, and a difficult season in Ottawa has done little to silence his critics.
This wouldn’t be the first time the Avalanche have been involved in a trade involving two players who seem to have hit a rough patch in their career. Last season Sherman traded Wojtek Wolski to Phoenix, with Peter Mueller coming the other way. If Elliott performs as well as Mueller did when he first came to Denver it could provide the Avs with a timely boost and keep their slim hopes of capturing a play-off spot alive.
Elliott, an RFA in the summer, should also instigate something of a battle with Budaj. The likeable Slovak has been a dependable back up with the ability to step in and perform in short bursts, but like his new team mate has not yet displayed the consistency of an NHL starter. Budaj is heading for unrestricted free agency in July, both men will get an opportunity to stake their claim to stay with the Avalanche beyond this season and the Colorado management will be hoping that battle will also provide a catalyst for a revival in the teams fortunes.
In the Canadian capital, Sens GM Bryan Murray will hope a change of scene brings the Anderson of old back to life. Ottawa have lacked a #1 goaltender for a few seasons now as both Elliott and oft-injured Pascal LeClaire stumbled.
Murray has instigated a major rebuild in the Senators franchise and the former Florida and Chicago goalie will be out to earn a new contract and stake his claim as an NHL starter once again.
With free agency looming for Anderson as well, the advantage for all parties is that they are able to walk away in July should things not work out.
For two teams with goaltending issues and poor form, it may be a deal for the sake of a deal in order to shake things up, but the potential benefits to both players and both franchises could be significant.
Contact the author: rob.mcgregor@prohockeynews.com
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