Aebischer zu Montreal
Verfasst: 9. Mär 2006 09:33
Day of goalie trades: Theodore-Aebischer blockbuster follows Roloson deal
(CP) - Goalies ruled the day on the eve of the NHL's trading deadline as Jose Theodore, David Aebischer and Dwayne Roloson all found new homes and a quiet week finally gave way to some business.
The Montreal Canadiens stunned the hockey world by shipping the struggling Theodore to the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night for Swiss national 'keeper David Aebischer. The deal comes more than 10 years after the Habs sent superstar goalie Patrick Roy to the Avs.
But this time it's the Avalanche that may have done the Canadiens a favour, picking up the rest of Theodore's high-rent contract while shipping a capable No. 1 netminder in return.
Theodore, 29, struggled this season, failing to live up to his Hart Trophy form of 2003 which netted him a contract that pays him $4.5 million US this season, $5.5 million next season and $6 million in 2007-08. He suffered a broken heel last month while walking down the stairs outside his home and is expected back later this month or in early April.
A change of scenery away from his hometown might be just what Theodore needs.
"Our entire hockey staff is very excited about the addition of Jose Theodore," Avalanche president and GM Pierre Lacroix said in a statement. "With this acquisition, we are convinced that we are securing our goaltending position for many years."
Aebischer, 28, is earning $1.9 million this season, the last year of his contract. He will be a restricted free agent July 1, one year removed from unrestricted free agency.
Cristobal Huet has been splendid in goal for the Habs after taking over for Theodore this season. But he may now see his ice time challenged by the arrival of Aebischer. Either way, it gives the Canadiens some depth in goal as they attempt to nail down a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference while also clearing up space under the salary cap not only this year but down the road.
(CP) - Goalies ruled the day on the eve of the NHL's trading deadline as Jose Theodore, David Aebischer and Dwayne Roloson all found new homes and a quiet week finally gave way to some business.
The Montreal Canadiens stunned the hockey world by shipping the struggling Theodore to the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night for Swiss national 'keeper David Aebischer. The deal comes more than 10 years after the Habs sent superstar goalie Patrick Roy to the Avs.
But this time it's the Avalanche that may have done the Canadiens a favour, picking up the rest of Theodore's high-rent contract while shipping a capable No. 1 netminder in return.
Theodore, 29, struggled this season, failing to live up to his Hart Trophy form of 2003 which netted him a contract that pays him $4.5 million US this season, $5.5 million next season and $6 million in 2007-08. He suffered a broken heel last month while walking down the stairs outside his home and is expected back later this month or in early April.
A change of scenery away from his hometown might be just what Theodore needs.
"Our entire hockey staff is very excited about the addition of Jose Theodore," Avalanche president and GM Pierre Lacroix said in a statement. "With this acquisition, we are convinced that we are securing our goaltending position for many years."
Aebischer, 28, is earning $1.9 million this season, the last year of his contract. He will be a restricted free agent July 1, one year removed from unrestricted free agency.
Cristobal Huet has been splendid in goal for the Habs after taking over for Theodore this season. But he may now see his ice time challenged by the arrival of Aebischer. Either way, it gives the Canadiens some depth in goal as they attempt to nail down a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference while also clearing up space under the salary cap not only this year but down the road.
