Senators pick up Leclaire for Vermette

by PeterR on Mar 4, 2009 1:06 PM EST Comment 23 comments

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.

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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.

www.silversevensens.com

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.

www.silversevensens.com

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