The Washington Capitals finally did something right today when they traded their veteran goaltender Tomas Vokoun to the Pittsburgh Penguins in return for their 7th round draft pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Vokoun signed a two year deal with the Penguins worth $4 million and he will serve as a back-up for Penguins starting goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. Vokoun waived his “no-movement” clause in order for this trade to happen. He missed the end of last season due to a groin injury which opened up the door for up-and-coming goaltender Braden Holtby.
This was a great trade for the Washington Capitals. Rookie goaltender Braden Holtby played phenomenal for the Capitals during the end of the regular season and the playoffs. He showed calmness and reliability during their intense post season and was an essential part of knocking out the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Boston Bruins in the first round of the playoffs. Holtby is a kid that is going to grow with the Capitals organization and he will give the Capitals a real chance at the Stanley Cup next season.
Both clubs got what they needed. These are not just crazy thoughts by GM’s going wild!! MAF may need a guy to push him and Johnson wasn’t cutting it. My only concern and I know it’s been only rumors or writers with too much time on their hands, but the Pens have toget Staal in the stable.This is one of the best 2 way players in the NHL. He’s 23. Shero messes this up and I personally will drive to Pitsburgh and give him a piece of my mind!! Thanks.
I do think that this was a very smart move. Like I said in my FB post, Flower needs a very dependable goalie as his backup. Vokoun is used to being a starting goalie, so that in and of itself has given him plenty of experience to strengthen his skills. Hopefully, Flower won’t have to wear himself out this coming season. I think that that was much of his problem during the playoffs. He had played 69 games! I love Flower and think that he’s amazing, but he’s not the Energizer bunny. LOL
I like this trade for the Pens. If MAF gets injured or struggles, they have a 1B as an option instead of Johnson.