My question here is, why would you so insistently lie to the media, and especially your fans, by saying that you would carry both Huet and ‘Bulin? I know, secrecy and all, but still, a very disappointing offseason, League-wide, in terms of management’s handling of certain players. Hopefully Scotty can bring some of Detroit’s management style to the team.

Posted by SENShobo from Waterloo, ON on 09/29/08 at 11:48 AM ET

Tallon=best GM ever.

Posted by Itlan on 09/29/08 at 11:51 AM ET

Well, it’s pretty simple.  If you sign Huet and say that you’re going to get rid of Khabi, you’re guaranteed to get a crappy deal or no deal.  If you say you aren’t getting rid of him, you might get someone who’s interested in him to offer you something.  Whether you ACTUALLY get any interest, you at least want to TRY before you dump him…

Posted by Garth on 09/29/08 at 11:59 AM ET

SENShobo, apparently this has something to do with their goaltending prospect Antti Niemi, who has surpassed all expectations, and according to some, has been the best goalie in Chicago’s camp.

I think Tallon probably did intend to run with his two expensive guys, but given that now he has a much much much cheaper alternative, and someone who they feel is (perhaps) best served by being in the NHL, things have changed.

I’m no insider, though.

Posted by GuyIncognito on 09/29/08 at 12:00 PM ET

Hey COLORADO!!!!  A REAL GOALIE!!! (and it would fit under your cap)

Posted by callmedrw on 09/29/08 at 12:01 PM ET

I agree, the Avs should totally grab him, but I doubt they will…LA should too, but again, they probably won’t.  (Lombardi has said they’ll reach the floor once they finish re-signing RFAs…)

Posted by NHLJeff from Pens fan in Chicago, IL on 09/29/08 at 12:04 PM ET

I doubt anyone would pick him up at full salary. We’ll see if he goes on re-entry.

Posted by GuyIncognito on 09/29/08 at 12:06 PM ET

totally

the avs and kings have the worse goaltending and both have space (re-entry for the avs), well the are tied for second worse behind washington…g/l with theodore.

Posted by callmedrw on 09/29/08 at 12:08 PM ET

I think for me it’s just naievety on my part, wishing that there was more openness and honesty in dealings. Tallon has done a fabulous job in Chicago, setting the team up for what’s sure to be a very exciting season, and he gets a little unfortunate lash-out from me because of my own wishful thinking, on the tail-end of an off-season whose treatment of certain players (eg. Boyle and McCabe) could have been better handled.

Posted by SENShobo from Waterloo, ON on 09/29/08 at 12:16 PM ET

I agree, Boyle and McCabe both got the shaft, and both are long time veterans of their old teams who deserved much much better.

I don’t think this is the same situation, though, in that it seems Khabi has just gotten outplayed for the job. It’s unfortunate, but it happens, and rather than keep him on the payroll while he doesn’t even dress, this way, he gets a chance to play, either in the minors or with another team.

You’re right in that Tallon did insist that Huet-Khabi was his tandem, but I think he was being 100% honest in that, and circumstances through training camp have forced him to reassess the situation.

Posted by GuyIncognito on 09/29/08 at 12:32 PM ET

Niemi has played much better than expected. That, I feel, is a big consideration in all of this. He has a strong Prospects Camp and has been very, very good in Camp so far also.

Posted by LW from Chicago on 09/29/08 at 12:34 PM ET

Watch for Brian Burke to continue his league-leading philanthropy by snapping up Khabibulin on re-entry waivers (He was half off, it was a bargain!). Of course, this move will force Burke to dump half of his roster before eventually waiving ‘Bulin himself saying, “I promised him I’d give him a chance to play somewhere in the NHL. He deserves at least that.”

Okay, that won’t really happen (probably), but I couldn’t resist. 

Posted by YzermanZetterberg on 09/29/08 at 12:40 PM ET

why would they NOW put him on waivers? i thought the whole reason in getting rid of Lang was to keep bulin? i don’t think chicago knows what they’re doing right now.

Posted by josh from tampa on 09/29/08 at 12:51 PM ET

If you read above you’ll see that Niemi outplayed played Khabibulin enough in camp for Tallon to be comfortable enough to get rid of Khabi.

Posted by NHLJeff from Pens fan in Chicago, IL on 09/29/08 at 12:58 PM ET

Anyone who honestly thought that Tallon would run with 2 starting goalies making over $12mil combined is an idiot.  Like I just said, STARTING goalies.  Im sure bulin was pissed when he heard huet was coming to town (bulin = backup?...expensive backup).  It was painstakingly inevitable that bulin was on his way out.

Yeah, the media lies and it wasnt very classy, but true hockey fans knew this was coming the day huet signed.

Im calling colorado to pick him up on re-entry

Posted by callmedrw on 09/29/08 at 01:59 PM ET

Avs fans seem to be split on taking Khabibulin.

Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 09/29/08 at 02:22 PM ET

I’d be surprised if anyone claims him right now. I think if any team were to claim him it would be on re-entry waivers. If we are to believe all the talk that goes on, then the 3 teams most linked to Bulin would be LA, Avs and the Sens.  If all three of these teams seriously become interested then the order of claim amongst those 3 teams would be 1) LA, 2)Sens, 3) Avs (based on point standing last season).

I’m a Sens fan and not someone who has supported the cries of others to trade for Bulin, but half price would be tempting….but then it would be a matter of finding a place for Gerber, because I think he deserves better than just being demoted to the minors. Besides that would take away from Elliot getting starts in Bingo.

Posted by SensNation on 09/29/08 at 02:31 PM ET

No chance the Sens will pick him up, now or in re-entry.  They’re comfortable with their tandem, and they don’t want the extra salary.  Gerber will be fine, and if not, Auld will take the opportunity to grab some ice time.  Ever since Auld was sent to the AHL, he’s said he is going to do his best to play at an NHL level and appreciate it, and he was very good in Boston(I watched him a few times live).  They’ll be a solid tandem.

Posted by NHLJeff from Pens fan in Chicago, IL on 09/29/08 at 02:34 PM ET

Yeah, Avs fans seem split a bit.

If Colorado is serious about winning the cup this year, I think Khabibulin is a good gamble.  They have a pretty decent core of veterans, just need some solid veteran goaltending.  Im a big wings and pens fan, but would still like to see Sakic lifting the cup.  Enter Bulin.

Posted by callmedrw on 09/29/08 at 02:45 PM ET