Vermette for Leclaire second-best deal: THN

by Peter Raaymakers on Mar 6, 2009 12:09 PM EST

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The Hockey News had their ranking of the top ten 2009 NHL trade deadline deals, and the Ottawa Senators' acquisition of Pascal Leclaire and a second-round pick for Antoine Vermette was ranked as the second-best of the day, behind only Calgary's acquisition of Olli Jokinen. Surprisingly enough, THN gives the advantage to Columbus for the deal:

2. Columbus acquires Antoine Vermette from Ottawa for Pascal Leclaire and a second round draft pick

This is a good deal for both teams, although since Columbus gives up a spare part in now-backup and oft-injured Leclaire, while adding depth at forward, we’ll give the decision to Columbus. Vermette will kill penalties and take a top-six position up front. Leclaire steps right into the No. 1 goaltending role in Ottawa and if he can stay healthy will be the best they’ve had in Canada’s capital since Dominik Hasek.

I agree with John Grigg, who wrote the article, that this was a good deal for Columbus. And certainly in the short-term, particularly for the 2008-09 season, Columbus wins by default: Ottawa hasn't actually received anything that will help them on the ice this year.

But long-term, this has to favour the Senators. Leclaire has the makings of a franchise goaltender, and is signed to a modest $3.8M cap-hit for two more years. The fact that GM Bryan Murray was somehow also able to get a second-round draft pick--and likely a mid-rounder (probably 40-50 overall) in what is touted as a deep draft at that--is just gravy that will help re-stock the Sens' prospect cupboard.

As with most deals, time will tell. Vermette was a valuable and popular player here in Ottawa, and I'm sorry to see him go--particularly since he was so emotional about leaving the city he's played his entire NHL career in. Still, at the prospect of an all-star goaltender and a good player for the future, this looks like Ottawa likely got the better player and the better value.

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I think a lot of senators fans are overvaluing LeClaire’s statistics with the Blue Jackets. Last year when he had 9 shutouts that was behind a Ken Hitchcock-coached team that was defence first, second, third, and fourth. The senators are nowhere near that good defensively. He also faced the easiest shots in the league.

And don’t forget that he is ridiculously injury prone.

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by PPP on Mar 6, 2009 12:50 PM EST reply actions

That's true, but you can see his skill by even watching highlights.

He’s got definite skill, and the only thing (which is a fairly big thing) is his injuries. His numbers were had behind a solid defensive system, but he did have to make several highlight reel, cross crease saves that no other goalie other than Hasek (and maybe Emery during the cup-run) has been able to make here. His health is absolutely a concern, but he’s certainly a talented enough goaltender to play well and be a number 1 behind just about any defence. He had to make some easy saves in Columbus, but that doesn’t exclude him from having the ability to make the difficult ones as well.

One thing to note about his injuries however, is that he doesn’t have a bad knee, or groin like many injury-prone players. His ankle injury this year was caused by Derek Boogard and it was a bit of a freak accident more than anything.

by BulletToothTony on Mar 6, 2009 2:37 PM EST up reply actions