Canadiens Sign Huet to Two-Year Deal

[Thrillhouse]

MONTREAL - Canadiens GM Bob Gainey announced Monday the signing of goaltender Cristobal Huet to a two-year contract (2006-07, 2007-08).

"Cristobal Huet is a very valuable player to the Canadiens’ organization. Last season, he led our team to a playoff berth, and more importantly, his playoff performances showed that he is amongst the top goaltenders in the NHL. We know that Cristobal likes the city of Montreal, we were convinced he wanted to stay with the Canadiens, and we are pleased to have him under contract for the next two seasons," said Gainey.

Huet, 30, completed the 2005-06 season, his third in the NHL, with a record of 18 wins, 11 losses and 4 overtime losses. He established career highs in wins (18) and shutouts (7).

A native of St-Martin d’Heres, in France, Huet won the 2005-06 Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award for the NHL’s best save percentage (.929). He ranked fourth in the league with a 2.20 goals against average, and second in shutouts (7). Huet was named the Canadiens’ candidate for the Bill-Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

Huet was acquired by the Canadiens on June 26, 2004 from the Los Angeles Kings with Radek Bonk, in return for Mathieu Garon and a 3rd round selection in 2004.

[rock'emsock'em]

I doubt the magic continues next year, I expect Aebischer to be starter in due time.

[Lead]

What contract does Aebicher have?

[KindofBlueline]

Originally Posted by rock'emsock'em

I doubt the magic continues next year, I expect Aebischer to be starter in due time.

I think that explains the lack of longevity to the deal. At 30, if the team were more confident in his abilities, we would have seen a contract for 4-6 years. Raycroft or Belfour should be getting two year deals from their teams, not Huet.

Edit: I'm pretty sure Raycroft is younger than Huet, but the way he's playing, I don't see why you want to risk being tied down to him for too long.

[Isles4life]

I think Huet will play well for the Habs this year, but won't be able to duplicate what he did toward the end of last season. I see him and Aebischer splitting duties by this season's end.

[canuck2]

My feeling is Huet is not a one year wonder. He was finally given the chance and at thirty is mature enough not to let up now. This is a good move by the Habs and I think they will also keep Abby. Last year demonstrated the need to have two competetive goalies. Trading Garon to L.A. was horrible.

[Jensen]

I think Huet will start, but he won't be as good as he was last year. I would think that Aebischer will have the starting job by some point next year.

[habsfighter15]

Aebischer has publicly said he wants to be the stater 100% or dont look for him to be back. Huet will continue to do the job. I expect Danis to be the backup and Aebischer gone.

[Mr.sports]

I think that it's a good job made by Gainey to resign Huet and I'm sure that i will made the job for these 2 years. I think that they sign him for 2 years because first, there is Aebischer. second, There is Carey Price who could come to the NHL in 2 years and there is also Yan Danis who is ready to the NHL.

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by rock'emsock'em

I doubt the magic continues next year, I expect Aebischer to be starter in due time.

Agreed. I'd rather have Aebischer as my starting goaltender anyway.