Hope you guys are beating the heat that has gripped a number of areas lately...
As you know by now, the Cats have re-signed Sam Montembeault to a one-year, two-way contract worth $708,750 K at the NHL level.
I really liked what I saw in Monty's game last year - especially with the oft-inept and lost defense in front of him.
In 11 games with Florida, he posted a 4-3-2 record, .894 save percentage and 3.05 goals GAA. He also took home the distinct honor of becoming the eight goaltender in the past 35 years to not have a loss in his first five appearances (4-0-1).
With Bob being signed and Knight being drafted, it signals to me that Monty is most likely not part of the future plans. I thought he would act as a stop-gap until Knight was ready, but the one-year deal kind of has me scratching my head...
Since I'm not very savvy with the business side of things when it comes to cap/contract fine print, etc., resident HB member and Panthers fan, RatsReign, and I were talking a bit about it in the comments of the last blog as to the reasoning of the smallish deal.
Is there a strategy to it with Seattle in mind?
I initially thought that the two-way aspect might point to them targeting a different backup - like a current NHLer. I'm sort of thinking now that it could be a "prove it" deal, where Florida gives him a shot to prove he can hang for a whole year and be the guy to backup Bob. If it works out, maybe he's the man going forward until Knight comes into the picture. If not, they can sign someone else and send him down, where, if he's waiver-exempt, he can't be claimed.
As you can see, I really don't know...haha. But I'm excited to see the combo of Bob and Monty in net this season.
[Photo from NHL.com]
Bring Sheahan Back
It's certainly no secret that I'm a big fan of Riley Sheahan. I've mentioned it a number of times that he was my favorite player last year after being acquired from the Penguins.
No, he doesn't load the net with pucks or blow your mind with flashy, top-tier talent play.
What he does is go out every night and do his job.
He's a very solid center that worked great in a those lower line role. I think he brings a stabilizing presence to the lineup with his style of play - he's consistent, battles along the boards, helps out on defensively can work the PK, etc. He's the classic "intangibles" guy whose worth doesn't necessarily show up on the scoresheet, but, rather, in many areas of the game that aren't tallied and kept track of. And the stats he does get credit for are more "blue collar" in nature and not the "sexy" stats.
With his UFA status, the
"Edmonton Journal" published an article building a case for the Oilers acquiring him.
I think the piece sums up nicely sums up why he's an appealing player and fit for a number of teams.
If they can get a good deal figured out, I would love for the Cats to sign him. While no player is without their flaws, I think he only strengthens this Florida team and you can't underestimate the importance of quality players down the middle of your lineup.
[Photo from The Rat Trick]
Go Panthers!
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