#Isles Transaction: Jaroslav Halak has been placed on waivers.— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) December 30, 2016
"I still think Jaro's a quality goaltender. His first year he was an all star. We're looking for him to get back to that level." -Garth Snow— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) December 30, 2016
Islanders website: Snow had some additional comments on Halak/goaltending situation.#Isles Transaction: Jaroslav Halak has cleared waivers and been assigned to Bridgeport.
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) December 31, 2016
NYIFC Comments:
Halak is the best goaltender in the organization by a mile. Greiss despite his strong play is a career backup, and Berube was risked to waivers for Jonas Enroth, who is also now on another NHL team.
Halak came to New York in August for a clinic in Long Island City, went to the World Cup Of Hockey, and was the tournaments true MVP, who almost carried them to a title, he was dominating.
He came to what was left of Islander training camp (with team Europe backup, Greiss) at that level.
The issue should have been decided at that point with Berube going on waivers to play in Bridgeport, despite Gibson, Williams, McAdam signed there.
Sorry, but Capuano went well past his not commenting on goaltender mantra vs Wild to throw Halak under the bus. He won the five of six games, and beat Pittsburgh, Rangers, Washington, with solid goaltending facing 30-40 shots all season on average in front of a team that cannot play in the third period without giving up goals or a push from the opposition.
Forgive me for laughing but before the Caps win Monday, Halak, sat for thirteen days, he's not going to get to any level sitting.
On the flip side management had every right after Halak's injuries/surgery to give Berube NHL money, and have insurance in case he got hurt again in a career where he has not proven durable or has been traded at times he was starting/winning. Berube knew exactly what he signed up for here (NHL money-one way contract) and could have refused to sign, to go earn AHL money elsewhere.
Sorry, but no good answer here. Berube is not Martin Jones in terms of prospect potential, and needed more work when the Kings risked waivers, and now needs much more at AHL level. Kevin Poulin was claimed by Tampa, but already signed here so it was not like Snow went looking to upgrade his backup goalie spot.
Not sure if another team claims Halak, given his cap-hit, and another year on contract, which means McAdam with his 7-0 start, Williams go back to Missouri, or Chris Gibson leaves when he's finally healthy.
Halak's the New York Islanders best goaltender, the shots against this team is facing is not on the goaltending, and sure Halak struggled vs the Wild, but enough to be placed on waivers after sitting for 13 days (before beating Caps) splitting the net with two other goaltenders? No.