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Senators pick up Leclaire for Vermette

The first trade of the 2009 NHL Trade Deadline, and it involves the Ottawa Senators!

TSN is reporting that the Ottawa Senators have traded C/W Antoine Vermette to the Columbus Blue Jackets for goaltender Pascal Leclaire and a second-round draft pick in 2009 NHL Entry Draft.


GP MIN W L T EGA GA GAA SA SV SV% SO
2008 - Pascal Leclaire 12 674 4 6 1 1 43 3.83 324 281 .867 0

Leclaire has missed time this season with ankle and thumb injuries, and his stats aren't very good--he's lost his starter's job to Steve Mason. Still, Leclaire has pretty good career numbers (45-55-12, .907 SP, 2.82 GAA) considering he's played for a team that has never played in the playoffs. But because his team has never played in the playoffs, Leclaire hasn't been tested in the post-season--that could be a concern going forward. In terms of his contract, Leclaire is signed for $3.8M for each of the next two seasons.

Of course, the Senators also receive a second-round draft pick, which is something that GM Bryan Murray was looking for for the off-season.


GP G A P +/- PIM PPG SHG GWG GTG SOG PCT
2008 - Antoine Vermette 62 9 19 28 -12 42 2 0 0 0 141 6.4

For Columbus, they receive a player who's flexibility more than makes up for any offensive shortcomings he has had this season. Vermette has had a slow season in 2008-09, especially in the first half, but he's been on a very disappointing Senators squad. His speed, penalty-killing abilities, and faceoff skills will offer the Jackets some valuable assets in the playoff race. His offensive flair will also offer something for the Jackets' scoring, even though he's had trouble finishing in the past. Vermette's cap hit for this season and next is $2.6725M, so the Sens lose som cap flexibility.

Vermette has been a popular player amongst Sens fans, and I'm a little disappointed to see him go. Still, we knew that this team was going to go through some changes, and the prospect of a good starting goaltender--if that's what Leclaire is (I'm not sold yet, but I'm optimistic)--plus a second-rounder seems like a good return.

0 recs  |  Comment 23 comments |

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Another Goalie?

I guess Elliott needs more work?

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Mar 4, 2009 10:11 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

There has apparently been a market for Auld

So it’ll be either Leclaire and Auld with Elliott in the minors, and Elliott will walk in the off-season—he’s an RFA—or Auld will be traded and we’ll go with Leclaire and Elliott next season.

by PeterR on Mar 4, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Kuba just signed a 3 year contract with the Sens

I’m okay with that.

This deal is a bit tough. Who knows how LeClaire will be in terms of durability. I was typing this when PPP’s msg popped up and to his note, I’ll add: Elliott won’t be ready for another year or two in my opinion.

I wonder if Auld or Neil will be moved today.

Hey PPP, how about Burke, he’s doing quite a bit. He’s got …. Brad May so far.

by Tony S on Mar 4, 2009 10:13 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

also, Vermette will be missed

Speedy guy with penalty kill skills. Hope to see him do well in Columbus

by Tony S on Mar 4, 2009 10:14 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed

I think a lot of Sens fans will wish Vermette the best. As frustrating as it’s been to see him struggle to achieve his full offensive potential, he’s always been fun to watch.

by PeterR on Mar 4, 2009 10:16 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

This trade will help in the long run. Vermette’s loss is going to sting.

by Zachary Zielonka on Mar 4, 2009 10:25 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Murray's Done A Tonne!

He’s added no one helpful to the roster and re-signed a mediocre member of a terrible defence corps.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Mar 4, 2009 10:36 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Wow, McGuire said that Leclaire is now the best goaltender the Senators have ever had. (He disqualified Hasek.)

by PeterR on Mar 4, 2009 10:34 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I wouldn’t go that far. Lalime was great. Well, until he played Toronto.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Mar 4, 2009 10:34 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Lalime was awful in 2004

But he was great in the 2003 run, where the Sens were one goal away from an almost guaranteed Cup win over Anaheim.

by PeterR on Mar 4, 2009 10:42 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe I can't get over 2004

However, I always felt he was as good as he was because of the team in front of him.

by Tony S on Mar 4, 2009 10:54 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Also

I don’t think LeClaire’s lack of playoff experience should really be a concern.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Mar 4, 2009 10:34 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I would agree with you if he was going to Toronto...

… but the Senators are expecting to get into the playoffs again quickly.

by PeterR on Mar 4, 2009 10:35 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Don’t hold your breath…

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Mar 4, 2009 10:36 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

2014

when we can finally be rid of all the veteran contracts that we’re going to acquire today for our playoff push covering the 2009 parts of the 2008/9 and 2009/10 seasons!

by Matthew on Mar 4, 2009 10:59 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Blah

Just one more to add to the rotating goalie carousel.

by Graham on Mar 4, 2009 10:48 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I would’ve traded Vermette for just the 2nd round pick … Leclaire is bonus.

by sundance on Mar 4, 2009 11:28 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

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