Matt Karash: What to do with the Canes 3-goalie situation?

Justin Peters rebound control still scares the poop out of me. He literally puts a puck in a soft spot, goal scoring area almost shot it seems.

I may be in the minority, but I thought no goalie has looked better this year (not just statistics) then Khudobin. Obviously a small sample size, but he just seems so complete. If Khudobin can come back strong from almost 2 months out, I believe he is more then capable of being the Canes starter.

Ward bothers me when he is in net, he drifts way to much side to side, something that Peters has actually had tremendous control of this year.

I would definitely shop Ward if Khudobin comes back strong. You mentioned you wouldnt do it for just soley a salary dump, and that you want a big return. I honestly wouldnt mind a mediocre return (not settling for a second round pick though) if we can get rid of that salary. Once he got his contract, he has only lived up to his price tag once ('09, when we went to the conference finals). Other then that, he has never passed my eye test. I may be being to harsh, I may sound ridiculous with liking Khudobin as a future starter, idk. Let me know what you think.

I would shop all 3 goalies and trade for the best return as in any smart deal for anything ,and with what ever sweetener the trading partner wanted with the exception of Eric and Jordan Staal, Jeff Skinner and Faulk/Murphy/Lindholm and the 4th line yes the 4th line as it has been years since the Canes have put a legit 4th line out on the ice ,sure you could say "anybody can play there" meh in the Canes case has been since Manny & Rad showed up.

The Canes are Imo 2 players away being a 3rd line center ,and another puck moving Dman away from being a real legit top tier team ,and that's THIS season ,and I would like to keep Peter's around on his hot streak as long as possible ,but Dobby will soon be ready ,but the World JR tourney could give JR a destination for Lindholm until he can make some lineup changes ,and I would like to see Dobby have a conditioning stint to get back up to speed instead of feet on the fire right off the IR.

The idea of moving Cam Ward seemed sinful not long ago ,but things change fast ,and JR could be in a Ryan Miller situation with Ward ,If he keeps the favorite old recliner around 1yr to long ,and If Cam with Gleason with some sweetener could fetch a top 6 forward and a legit 2 pairing Dman I have to say I would be likely to pull the trigger ,and sure Cam could come back to Con Smyth Cam pretty soon ,but as a of right now he has to show me and not tell me!..For example give me Brandon Sutter and Del Zotto ,and I'll show you a team that's very hard to play against.

He still has 2 more years after this year with a full NTC

I do not believe you can trade Ward this year - with the cap being low and his 6.3 hit - the Canes would have to absorb a large contract back [or a couple to match or come close to the 6.3 Ward cap hit]

In an ideal world - I believe you keep Ward this year and parts of next year and try to move him at next year`s deadline - when a team may be interested in picking him up for the remaining 1.5 years that would be left on his contract

A short term gamble in picking him up for 1.5 years

A trade may be easier next year as the cap is due to rise in the neighbourhood of $7M

But you would have to convince him to move on - Ive never been to Carolina but from all accounts it sound nice there - he may not want to move

Matt Karash: What to do with the Canes 3-goalie situation?
- CarolinaMatt63

Honestly, I would look to move Cam based on salary alone, not to mention getting something back for him. I think JR hands out too many high valued contracts for too long and with NTC's. For a team that historically is a lower budget team, that inflexibilty seems to make it hard to sign the intermediate level of talent necessary to fill out a roster to make the playoffs...I don't think you can do it with just superstars and scrubs.

The only thing that scares me about Cam is his back. Things like the groin, the skate slash, those are freaks and can & do happen to any goalie. I'd like to see Cam in the long term with what looks to be an improved defense. Honestly there's a lot of haters in the fan base who don't think to look at the sheer magnitude of crappy D and odd man rushes the team has given up in recent years.

Keep Peters or Khudobin (Peters preferably), and ride them when they're hot, like now. Maybe a good thing that we don't have to have Ward be great to win, could be better for him personally and the team as a whole. Peters certainly has been good, but hasn't had to be Vezina quality either. Given the amount of time the club has invested in Peters, I'd say keep him as a 1 or 1a as long as he can provide this level of play.

If you deal cam it has to be for a core foundation player back in return. Can't deal a goalie with that sort of skill set, resume and potential for a 3rd line center or a second pairing d man.

If you deal cam it has to be for a core foundation player back in return. Can't deal a goalie with that sort of skill set, resume and potential for a 3rd line center or a second pairing d man.
- Gossler1

I think I would do a legitimate 2nd pairing defenseman + a sweetener (i.e. a decent pick or prospect). A #3 defenseman is top half of the roster, but the proven form of that is a much scarcer commodity than a decent #5 or #6 forward.

Right now Peters is the only one with trade value. Even with that being said, I think you hold on to all three right now. Dobby hasn't played in 2 months and who knows what you're going to be getting whenever he does decide to come back. Everyone is saying "oh, he's almost there." Thats been said for the past three weeks and we haven't seen anything! And I still say that Cam isn't completely healthy. He's moving way to slow from side to side. I honestly wouldn't be surprised that when Dobby comes back, that Cam might go back onto the IR. He might only be dressing right now just to have a decent backup for Justin.

The only thing that scares me about Cam is his back. Things like the groin, the skate slash, those are freaks and can & do happen to any goalie. I'd like to see Cam in the long term with what looks to be an improved defense. Honestly there's a lot of haters in the fan base who don't think to look at the sheer magnitude of crappy D and odd man rushes the team has given up in recent years.

Keep Peters or Khudobin (Peters preferably), and ride them when they're hot, like now. Maybe a good thing that we don't have to have Ward be great to win, could be better for him personally and the team as a whole. Peters certainly has been good, but hasn't had to be Vezina quality either. Given the amount of time the club has invested in Peters, I'd say keep him as a 1 or 1a as long as he can provide this level of play.
- MrKnockoff

First, I hope I don't come across as a Ward hater. I am not. I tend to come at these situations from a risk/reward/return angle. If there is still a good return for Ward, the Canes hopefully get a lot better at another position and with Peters (on fire) and Khudobin (looking very good in limited work before injury) take only a small step down (if any) in net. And maybe the team even spends some of Ward's $6.3M to add yet another player either at the deadline or this summer to upgrade in not 1 but 2 spots.

All of this said, when I write blogs, I try not to do too many of the standard old media variety that present the facts and the options and then stop short of committing to any kind of real opinion. So I went on the side of trading Ward for the right deal to pick a real side, BUT this is much more of a 60/40 than a 90/10 in terms of conviction. Until he proves me wrong (hasn't in 2 tries), I really like Ward in the pressure cooker that is the playoffs IF we can ever get there.

Matt I think that's the point "IF" we can get there. Cam Ward is too inconsistant across an 82 game season to get us to the playoffs and the $6M tied up in him can be used for more skill with our skaters. Remember there were two big game 82s to get us into the playoffs in the past and Cam Ward was not good in either. Also remember that the Canes do not even get to the SCFs in '06 if not for Gerber's stellar regular season play and a 4-0 shutout against Buffalo in the ECF after Cam laid an egg the previous game. I say trade him (if he'll waive the NTC), and spend the $6M and get another elite forward. Khoudobin and Peters can carry the load.

I say keep Ward...trade Peters.....still way too early too give up on Cam.

Matt Karash: What to do with the Canes 3-goalie situation?
- CarolinaMatt63

Of the 3 goalies and IMO their respective trade value, I see it like this:

Khudobin- 24 NHL games to his record, has really nice stats, but only a small sample of play this year (being injured)... I don't think he has much of any trade value(currently)... he's staying put. I do believe he is starting-goalie-material and can carry a team

Peters- 64 NHL games on his record, pretty bad overall stats (def not #1, or 1A material stat wise) only has 2 NHL seasons where he has looked good, one being this year, and the other for 7 games in '11-'12. He's on fire this season, so he has some value, but really only a flash in the pan in the broad spectrum... he's solidified his ability to be a serviceable NHL backup from here on out.

Ward- 447 NHL games (219-160-52 record) and mediocre overall stats. I'm not bothered so much by his W/L record as I am his GAA and Save % over his career. You can say that part of that is the system in place, but part of that is on his play. He's never had a 'lights-out' regular season, a couple good ones, but I'm not sure he's worth $6.3M Is he a great goalie, no, a good goalie yes, is he top 20 in the league, yes, top 10... maybe? top 5, nope. I do think he has the most trade value as he's a proven #1, and has a very good playoff track record, granted it's only 2 seasons out of 8.

One thing about the Caniac Nation that drives me insane is its lack of loyalty. I have recently heard that we should trade Ward. Another thing that drives me crazy is the what have you done for me lately attitude. Peters was pretty much run out of town by the fans after the last 2 seasons.. now we want to start him as our No.1? The best thing that could have happened for us is him getting hot and thus becoming a tradable asset. Lets face it, we couldn't give him away last season. I remember reading how bad he was and we should just cut him.. now we want him as our franchise tender?

I appreciate what Peters has done this season and have no problem keeping him... but Peters making Ward disposable is a stretch.

Anton was a good pick up this off season... but more importantly Peters play was the reason we went and got him. I think you look to move 1 and it has to be Anton or Peters and the return wont be much of anything.. They both are on cheap deals and are UFA after the season. Mid Rd pick and a B level prospect.

Ward is almost untradable due to his High Cap/Sal injury history and inconsistent play. Not even going to mention his NTC and the fact that he wants to stay with 1 franchise his career.

One thing about the Caniac Nation that drives me insane is its lack of loyalty. I have recently heard that we should trade Ward. Another thing that drives me crazy is the what have you done for me lately attitude. Peters was pretty much run out of town by the fans after the last 2 seasons.. now we want to start him as our No.1? The best thing that could have happened for us is him getting hot and thus becoming a tradable asset. Lets face it, we couldn't give him away last season. I remember reading how bad he was and we should just cut him.. now we want him as our franchise tender?

I appreciate what Peters has done this season and have no problem keeping him... but Peters making Ward disposable is a stretch.

Anton was a good pick up this off season... but more importantly Peters play was the reason we went and got him. I think you look to move 1 and it has to be Anton or Peters and the return wont be much of anything.. They both are on cheap deals and are UFA after the season. Mid Rd pick and a B level prospect.

Ward is almost untradable due to his High Cap/Sal injury history and inconsistent play. Not even going to mention his NTC and the fact that he wants to stay with 1 franchise his career.
- SouthSide

I couldn't agree with you more.

Justin Peters rebound control still scares the poop out of me. He literally puts a puck in a soft spot, goal scoring area almost shot it seems.

I may be in the minority, but I thought no goalie has looked better this year (not just statistics) then Khudobin. Obviously a small sample size, but he just seems so complete. If Khudobin can come back strong from almost 2 months out, I believe he is more then capable of being the Canes starter.

Ward bothers me when he is in net, he drifts way to much side to side, something that Peters has actually had tremendous control of this year.

I would definitely shop Ward if Khudobin comes back strong. You mentioned you wouldnt do it for just soley a salary dump, and that you want a big return. I honestly wouldnt mind a mediocre return (not settling for a second round pick though) if we can get rid of that salary. Once he got his contract, he has only lived up to his price tag once ('09, when we went to the conference finals). Other then that, he has never passed my eye test. I may be being to harsh, I may sound ridiculous with liking Khudobin as a future starter, idk. Let me know what you think.
- StaalsnUrinals

I totally agree that Khudobin when he is healthy and returning is the best option for number one backed up by Peters. Ward could be dealt for a quality scoring forward and more something the Canes are seriously lacking. The longer you wait on trading Ward and if his play gets any worse he will be worth nothing but a huge salary liability. Another option would be to hope Khudobin can have a couple great games back to confirm he is the real deal and call up the Oilers. Khudobin is nhl calibre starting goalie, he has earned his dues and is ready. Just like Martin Jones in LA, those guys that pay their dues eventually become solid nhlers.

I couldn't agree with you more.
- Barbecued Hockey

Feeling BBQ ued, lol

Matt I think that's the point "IF" we can get there. Cam Ward is too inconsistant across an 82 game season to get us to the playoffs and the $6M tied up in him can be used for more skill with our skaters. Remember there were two big game 82s to get us into the playoffs in the past and Cam Ward was not good in either. Also remember that the Canes do not even get to the SCFs in '06 if not for Gerber's stellar regular season play and a 4-0 shutout against Buffalo in the ECF after Cam laid an egg the previous game. I say trade him (if he'll waive the NTC), and spend the $6M and get another elite forward. Khoudobin and Peters can carry the load.
- FearTheLamb

Totally agree with this.

Feeling BBQ ued, lol
- flyerdude17

You are talking about Peters who had a stretch of starts where he went 1 and 15. He is playing better for which I am grateful, but I am not willing to throw Ward overboard for someone who until he got on this hot streak was the number one target of jokes in our system. (maybe #2 Zach Boychuk gets a lot of jokes of disdain as well.) I credit Muller for sticking with Peters even though he didn't have a lot of options. Even Matt was calling for Mike Murphy to start over Peters when everybody was hurt.

Carolina has a history of doing well when riding the hot goaltender. (Starting Weekes over Irbe in the 2002 cup run and starting Ward over Gerber in the 2006 cup run.) I'm fine with Muller riding the hot hand, but given Peters track record I am no where near anointing him the future for our goaltending over Cam Ward.

Tough call for JR here.

While Peters has been very good lately for sure, I think his upside is NHL backup at best. He was not very good last year. Prior to this year he had won only 9 of 32 games with SV% less than .900. Earlier this year I think we all watched him in a shootout, I think against Minnesota, where he looked like a beer league goalie. Even lately while playing well he still seems to leave too many juicy rebounds in the front of the net. If we trade Ward, it should not be because Peters is all of a sudden a #1 goalie. If Canes can get any return at all now for Peters I would trade him as Option B since his value is as high now as it would ever be.

I also think that Ward is pretty much un-tradeable at this point given that he will be paid $15M over the next 2.5 years to be a mediocre goalie if recent performance continues. I think Canes would have to take something back in return that is equally unattractive. However, if the return was decent, I think I would pursue this as Option A.

First, I hope I don't come across as a Ward hater. I am not. I tend to come at these situations from a risk/reward/return angle. If there is still a good return for Ward, the Canes hopefully get a lot better at another position and with Peters (on fire) and Khudobin (looking very good in limited work before injury) take only a small step down (if any) in net. And maybe the team even spends some of Ward's $6.3M to add yet another player either at the deadline or this summer to upgrade in not 1 but 2 spots.

All of this said, when I write blogs, I try not to do too many of the standard old media variety that present the facts and the options and then stop short of committing to any kind of real opinion. So I went on the side of trading Ward for the right deal to pick a real side, BUT this is much more of a 60/40 than a 90/10 in terms of conviction. Until he proves me wrong (hasn't in 2 tries), I really like Ward in the pressure cooker that is the playoffs IF we can ever get there.
- CarolinaMatt63

I'm right there with you! Pete dawg has been very good for the last couple weeks, and may have become the starter...PERIOD! Until Wardo shows consistent improvement, and is clearly healthy...he is no better than BU goalie, at best! Dobby looked very good prior to his injury, but will have to work his way back to that status (1st of BU, and THEN, maybe as potential starter)!
I wouldn't jump the gun, just yet, and move one of them until it was clear where they all stack up!
Because the injury situation is improving, and the team is playing rather well, i don't see the urgency in making any moves, unless they get an offer they can't refuse! Maybe in a couple weeks or so the situation will be clearer, needs will be apparent, or we'll find no move is needed!

Justin Peters has been a good goalie for 12 games now. Are people that confident it's not a lucky/flukey statistical abnormality that dealing Cam seems like a good idea?

A simple recent example is everyone, myself included, pencilling Tlusty in for 30 goals this year. But small samples of play can clearly be deceiving.

The Canes have backed themselves into a corner with this goaltender situation. They are very top heavy with very little coming up through the ranks to be excited about. There are obviously needs on the big club right now. But I think whoever they trade (and I think the logical choice is Peters), they need to get a decent goalie prospect in return as well to fill the cupboards.

They seem to have little faith in Mike Murphy. His hiatus to the KHL seemed to ruffle some feathers and set his development back as well. Unless he really takes off, he may go down as an NHL statistical anomaly.

John Muse has put up overall good numbers throughout his career. But for whatever reason, they let him walk. I see he's back with the Checkers now on an AHL contract and playing well. Anyone know the story on why they took a pass on him?

Daniel Altshuller is putting up good numbers in juniors, but is obviously a few years away. Beyond that, it's pretty slim pickens.

The Canes have backed themselves into a corner with this goaltender situation. They are very top heavy with very little coming up through the ranks to be excited about. There are obviously needs on the big club right now. But I think whoever they trade (and I think the logical choice is Peters), they need to get a decent goalie prospect in return as well to fill the cupboards.

They seem to have little faith in Mike Murphy. His hiatus to the KHL seemed to ruffle some feathers and set his development back as well. Unless he really takes off, he may go down as an NHL statistical anomaly.

John Muse has put up overall good numbers throughout his career. But for whatever reason, they let him walk. I see he's back with the Checkers now on an AHL contract and playing well. Anyone know the story on why they took a pass on him?

Daniel Altshuller is putting up good numbers in juniors, but is obviously a few years away. Beyond that, it's pretty slim pickens.
- wsbeauchamp

It's not just the goalies. The cupboards are fairly bare for all positions at the lower levels. Trading for draft picks at some point is going to become a necessity.

It's not just the goalies. The cupboards are fairly bare for all positions at the lower levels. Trading for draft picks at some point is going to become a necessity.
- Barbecued Hockey

I agree.

And a little off topic, but I think they need to re-evaluate the entire scouting department. The teams that are constant contenders are that way because they consistently crank out quality prospects. Whether they use them or not, they have them to sweeten deadline deals and such. Other than a few no brainers (Staal, Skinner, Ward), the Canes scouting department has failed miserably over the years.