And this is good for the canucks, how?

[LonelyGhost]

Canucks claim Sabourin off waivers
October 4, 2006

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) -- The Vancouver Canucks claimed goaltender Dany Sabourin off waivers from the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday.

Sabourin, the AHL goalie of the year last season, was being sent down by the Penguins despite a 1.85 goals-against average and 95.7 save percentage in his only preseason appearance, a 44-save shootout loss to Buffalo.

The Penguins already have Marc-Andre Fleury, the first-overall draft pick in 2003, and veteran goaltender Jocelyn Thibault under contract for the upcoming season.

Sabourin is expected to back up Roberto Luongo in Vancouver.

Sabourin, originally picked by Calgary in the fourth round of the 1998 NHL draft, is winless in five career NHL games with the Flames and Penguins, posting a 4.42 goals-against and 82.5 save percentage.

The 26-year-old was a first-team AHL all-star with a 30-14-4 record, 92.2 save percentage and 2.26 goals-against for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton last season and started ahead of Fleury in six of 11 playoff games.

 

[LonelyGhost]

how?
by signing him that's how!!

well that's useful.

 

[Hardatwork]

I think it's a move to add depth to the goalie position in the organization. He's 12 years younger than Flaherty so it gives the Canucks some goaltending help for not only this year, but for future years. It's true that he doesn't have much NHL experience, but it doesn't look like the backup in Vancouver is going to play a whole lot anyways (unless something happens to Luongo). This move also frees up Flaherty to go back to Manitoba to help mentor our younger goalies.

 

[LonelyGhost]

I think it's a move to add depth to the goalie position in the organization. He's 12 years younger than Flaherty so it gives the Canucks some goaltending help for not only this year, but for future years. It's true that he doesn't have much NHL experience, but it doesn't look like the backup in Vancouver is going to play a whole lot anyways (unless something happens to Luongo). This move also frees up Flaherty to go back to Manitoba to help mentor our younger goalies.

thank you.

Q: doesn't Flaherty also have to clear waivers now? Or would losing
him not be a big deal with this new guy as back-up?

 

[twoblues]

Another thing to consider is that this is really a move to improve our farm team. Organizations need to treat their farm teams the same way as the main team. You need to please the fans in Winnipeg as well and replacing Flaherty with a proven winner goes a long way towards keeping a winning team in Winnipeg.

 

[Hardatwork]

LG: I think Flaherty does have to clear waivers in order for the Canucks to send him down. I guess they feel it's a risk worth taking in order to try and get a cheap upgrade. At his age they're probably safe in that assumption.

TB: Since Sabourin was claimed off waivers from another team, the Canucks must keep him on the NHL roster so it will be Flaherty that will be sent back down to Manitoba. This is designed to prevent teams from stocking up on a certain position.

 

[twoblues]

Crap, reading comprehension is not my strong point.

Well, that's a shame. Flaherty had a good last game...Oh well, he is still getting paid to do what he loves and, though he'd prefer the NHL, I bet he's fine with taking a paycheque in the AHL.

 

[hornyitalian06]

I guess will have to wait and see if they made the right move

 

[hornyitalian06]

Canucks beat the Wings last night, 3 to 1 . I know there is still another 80 some games to play in this 2006-07 season. Howver, the Canucks did look good/promising against the Detroit Red Wings . The goalie tending for the Canucks look good and strong