A few goalie tidbits. Kevin Lalande and Dan LaCosta were passed over for QO’s, so it looks like Gustaf Wesslau might be the full-blown starter in Springfield. It also looks like Matt Climie hasn’t received his one-way wish yet. That makes Brent Krahn a prospect to watch, as he might just be Kari Lehtonen’s new backup. The Stars like him, but nagging injuries, including a concussion, are somewhat of a concern. 

I was wrong – I figured he would sign for less than a qualifying offer, which was why he wasn’t qualified… but Benoit Pouliot signed for nearly $1.4 million in his one-year deal, which is more than what the qualifying would be. It was a confusing situation due to his impressive final 25 games and then horrible postseason. Tough to tell which way the team/agent would go.

Goldie here – following up on Kipper/Karlsson comments. Kiprusoff’s stats were weak late in the season because he was worn out (Olympics), complacent, and lacked mental focus. McElhinney was terrible because he rarely played. In ANH, he started on a more regular basis and finally, for the first time ever, got into a rhythm…and thrived. For those that don’t get where Dobber’s coming from, ask yourself this. What happens when Kiprusoff doesn’t start every single game? How will that affect his rhythm? And how will that affect how well he’s able to play? Read School of Block today and recognize that Karlsson is more inclined to become a Backstrom than another McElhinney.

It’s looking more and more as though Matt Lombardi will hit the free agent market. He had a career high of 53 points on a defensive team, so although on one hand he fit in well in Phoenix – on the other hand another squad would loosen the leish. You may see better numbers from him yet.

If all the Leafs want is a top six forward and a second round draft pick for Tomas Kaberle, why is nobody paying it? Seems like a bargain to me. Those of you who have watched Kaberle play over the last few years know that he is an elite defenseman. Not just because he is one of only a handful of d-men capable of 65 points, but his composure is contagious. He slows the game down back there, which makes him a great asset on the penalty kill or in the final minute when the team is clinging to a lead.

Bob McKenzie reports that the Leafs and the Senators are involved in talks to land Marc Savard, who apparently would waive his no-trade clause to go to either. I mused last year that Savard, if he became a UFA, would most assuredly sign in Toronto and play with Kessel. But then, for some crazy reason, he re-signed in Boston. Now he may end up in T.O. after all – and at a non-UFA salary cost.

If Marty Turco signs with San Jose, it will be a brilliant career saver. The decline in his play will be cleverly hidden by all the W’s that the team will give him. He won’t win them any playoff rounds, the team would be wise to go after Timmy Thomas instead. Or even take the salary savings and give Michael Leighton a shot.

Chicago qualified Andrew Ladd.

Regarding my bold Karlsson musings yesterday – of course you don’t agree with me and of course you don’t see it. That’s what makes a good dark horse. Get back to me in March. I’ll tell you right now that you’re probably right. Most dark horses don’t pan out. I merely opined that the situation is there. I may be one in a million with this opinion, but the opinion has a one in 10 shot of being right. I’ll take those odds. Like I said, he’s a good No.4 option if you want a dark horse for the second half.

Miikka Kiprusoff was 12-17-5 in his last 34 games. His GAA went from 2.16 to 2.31 and his SP went from 0.927 to 0.920. So in the second half he was nearly 2.45 and 0.914. Last year, if the Flames lost three in a row, they could turn to…uh, Curtis McElhinney. This year, they can turn to Mr. X – a goalie who, let’s face it, none of us know, but who scouts really like. With that knowledge in mind, wouldn’t you think that is worth the risk? Maybe Karlsson will prove early on that he is another McElhinney. Or perhaps he’ll be another Niklas Backstrom. If he’s the latter, he’ll get one win in October, two in November, three in December… and who knows what he can steal in the latter months if Kipper starts to stumble again? The Flames want into the playoffs and they won’t let reputation or contract get in the way.

This is amazing – we got the price of the DobberHockey shirts down to $12.99! Some great slogans, sure to rub in your glorious victory when you walk into your draft. Funny stuff! Have a look here.

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