Well, I had a lengthy debate back in the day with either Luke or Aaron about the likelyhood of Backstrom continuing as a starting goaltender for Minny.
Someone said that he would lose the job to Harding. I didn't agree because it seemed that his numbers were just continuing to be stellar.
Harding is a great young goalie that I expect to be traded. He is too good to be a back up.
I think Harding will either start to split duties with backstrom in 3 years time (or earlier if backstrom struggles) or be traded for someone up front....
in other news, satan, roberts and morrison were waived earlier today... where will they end up?
Haha I'm pretty upset about that this morning. Risebrough needs to give his head a shake. I'm not debating the skill of Backstrom. He is a top 10 maybe top 5 goalie in this league. However, Harding has been a pro for 6 years now with an NHL average of .920 and a AHL average of .924. Comparatively Backstroms 3 year NHL average is .924.
You could potentially sign Harding to a 3 year deal worth around 2.5 million per season and get a 1st rounder for Backstrom.
I guess with that being said, by signing Backstrom to a 4 year deal they are increasing his overall value. If they did turn around and deal Backstrom I think they could get more for him now than 2 days ago.
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"With Sid on your team, anything is possible" - Mario lemieux
This is what I thought as well. Harding is good enough to start, Backstrom is good enough to start. Pick one and roll with him and move the other for the most value.
Even right this moment I would see what Philly would give up for Backstrom.
