The Goalies

There are two goalies that will receive plenty of attention come July 1st. I would include Huet on this list but I honestly cannot see Washington letting him sign anywhere else. Those two goalies are Olaf Kolzig and Jose Theodore.

Jose Theodore-G-COL:

Jim Carrey part deux? While the hockey world is wondering what happened to the once Golden Boy Goalie, the Colorado Avalanche have to make a critical decision on whether to bring back the inconsistent former Vezina Trophy winner. He had few solid moments during the regular season and showed flashes of promise in the playoffs but eventually succumbed to his inability to make a big save. The Avalanche may look for another goaltender to take them to the next level because Peter Budaj is not the answer and clearly Theodore is not either.

The Los Angeles Kings may be the ones to take a chance on Theodore. They have a young team and do not expect to be winners right off the bat which could give Theodore some breathing room. Los Angeles could bode well for his mindset where he will be able to play under less pressure, and with the goalies the Kings have gone through, Theodore would be a site for sore eyes. Don't rule Ottawa out either, but after two years of the Gerber-Emery circus they should be looking for something more stable, and Theodore would be best served to stay out of Canada. The Boston Bruins could also be a viable option. Olaf Kolzig is probably Theodore's biggest obstacle in landing a big contract with a contending team.

Olaf Kolzig-G-WSH:

Kolzig had an unfortunate end to his run in Washington. He was more or less forced out of town when the Caps acquired Cristobal Huet from the Montreal Canadians, but Olie the Goalie will certainly make a splash in the free agent market and will put a smile on the faces of the fans of the team that he signs with. With Kolzig nearing 40 years of age, he will look to sign with a contender. The Ottawa Senators and Colorado Avalanche should be at the forefront and may get into a bidding war. Kolzig has been excellent for some horrendous Capitals team, just imagine what he could do with some support. There is no way that Kolzig won't be in a Senators or Avalanche jersey next season unless the Bruins throw a major contract his way. I don't think the Kings have a chance unless they can promise him some Hollywood tail.

-Alex

Thanks Alex for the blog entry. I'm most curious to see how much Theodore will ask for on July 1st. He can't honestly want a raise or even close to the contract he earned while performing as a Vezina/Hart trophy goaltender. As for Kolzig watch out for Tampa Bay actually doing something responsible for a change...and sign a capable talent between the pipes.

-Mike