Capitals Acquire Cristobal Huet from Montreal

[Thrillhouse]

ARLINGTON, Va. -The Washington Capitals have acquired goaltender Cristobal Huet from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today.

Huet (KRIHZ-tuh-buhl YOO-iht), who will turn 33 on March 9, is in his fifth season in the NHL and played in the 2007 NHL All-Star Game. The 6'1", 204-pound native of Saint-Martin-D'Heres, France, is 21-12-6 this season with a 2.55 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage. He ranks 11th in the NHL in save percentage, 19th in GAA and 19th in victories. Huet has a pair of shutouts this season, most recently a 35-save effort against the Capitals on Jan. 29.

Huet has a 72-59-11-13 record in 170 career NHL games, with a 2.49 GAA and a .917 save percentage. He has 15 career shutouts and led the league in save percentage in 2005-06 with a .929 mark. Huet was the second French-born player to play in the NHL and has represented France in two Olympics.

Huet was a seventh-round choice of the Los Angeles Kings in 2001 and made his North American debut in 2002-03 as a member of the Manchester Monarchs, where he played for Washington head coach Bruce Boudreau. Huet made his NHL debut for the Kings that season, posting a 4-4-1 record in 12 games, and played 41 games in Los Angeles in 2003-04. Montreal acquired him on June 26, 2004, with Radek Bonk in exchange for Mathieu Garon and a third-round draft choice.

The draft choice Washington sends to Montreal is Anaheim's second-round pick in 2009, previously acquired in exchange for center Brian Sutherby.

[FightingIsGood]

This means that the Habs' playoff position/success now rests on the pads of rookie Carey Price. Not sure I'd agree with that decision if I were a Habs fan.

[bney7]

Wow kinda suprised by this. . . .
Habs will be picking up another goalie.

[Canes13]

wonder whats to come of Kolzig?

[Thrillhouse]

The Montreal media is going to CRUSH Carey Price. I wish him the best. He's too young.

[DaleHunter32]

i would rather keep Johnny in net, let Ollie spend his final days in washington on the bench and go into this years draft with a 2nd rounder

welcome to washington christopher hewwit

[OHLTG_Dave]

Wonder what happens to WSH prospect Michal Neuvirth.

[Canes13]

Originally Posted by Thrillhouse

The Montreal media is going to CRUSH Carey Price. I wish him the best. He's too young.

It'll be another Fleury. Pushed in too soon and lose all confidence in himself, leading to a mediocre career when it could have been alot better.

[Habs Fan 1987]

Bad trade. The Habs are supposed to be buyers, not sellers. I think Price is better than Huet now, and should be the starter, but they should've held on to Huet. Price could easily falter or get injured. I can understand not re-signing Huet in the off-season, but I wouldn't have traded him for a second rounder now.

[Habs # 1]

Like is said in the your speculations thread "Don't be surprised if Huet gets moved because Price and Halak are really good goaltenders and if I were Gainey id let them fight it out for a starters role come playoff time. Price can do what Cam Ward did a couple years ago." and so can Halak.

Good move by Gainey... don't be surprised if he springs for 2 more forwards by days end.

[canuckfan]

Originally Posted by Thrillhouse

The Montreal media is going to CRUSH Carey Price. I wish him the best. He's too young.

My thought exactly. At least he's not French Canadian, then it would be worse.

I think the Habs should have kept Huet around one more year for Price to continue to develop without any pressure. I hope he can handle it.

But, I think this is a great trade for the Capitals. Huet can take over for Kolzig, or at least help shoulder the workload better than Johnson. Kolzig can either split this summer or stay on in a lighter role. Good deal for the Caps, and nice work to upgrade the goaltending situation. I fully expect Washington to be a playoff contender next season for sure.

[Cat Smasher]

I think they just created their own demise of Price. Like you guys said, he's not really proven, and the media will crush him. I just hope he can handle it and his career is not ruined. Something like Dan Blackburn. He wasn't ready for the big show, to carry a great franchise by himself.

[39huet]

Good trade for the caps.i am surprise about the habs decision.

[cobolt]

Huet is UFA if I am not mistaken. Halak is a good goalie too. 2nd round pick this year is not a bad return. Even though this move is a bit of a gamble it doesnt really matter since the Habs are not going to win the cup this year anyways.

[DaleHunter32]

Originally Posted by cobolt

Huet is UFA if I am not mistaken. Halak is a good goalie too. 2nd round pick this year is not a bad return. Even though this move is a bit of a gamble it doesnt really matter since the Habs are not going to win the cup this year anyways.

they get a 2nd rounder in 2009 (via ANA--from suds trade)
caps give up nothing this year