Halak drafted by Lewiston (QMJHL)

[NWTHabsFan]

M. said:

Jodoin categorically states that the Canadiens made a steal in the ninth round by claiming Halak.

Current stats:

15 games (8-5-2), GAA 2.70 (7th in league), Save% .913 (8th in league), SO 2 (tied for second in league)

The Habs may have two late round goaltending steals from the 2003 draft. Halak appears to be adapting really well to NA hockey from his stats above. After all, the QMJHL is well known as a solid breeding ground for NHL goalies, so he is up against stiff competition in that league.

Over the pond, young Chris Heino-Lindberg is also putting up great numbers. After 20 games in the Allsvenskan Sondra (Swedish Division 2 - same level as Ryder is playing in), Chris has the following stats:

20 games, 1215 minutes played (tops in the league), save% .9254 (2nd), gaa 1.73 (3rd), SO 2 (tied 2nd).

[M. Beaux-Eaux]

NWTHabsFan said:

The Habs may have two late round goaltending steals from the 2003 draft. Halak appears to be adapting really well to NA hockey from his stats above. After all, the QMJHL is well known as a solid breeding ground for NHL goalies, so he is up against stiff competition in that league.

Indeed. At 19 he seems very determined to make his mark. Choosing to be a smaller fish in a bigger pond with an eye to his future is very commendable IMO.

This young man definitely deserves to be watched closely.

Over the pond, young Chris Heino-Lindberg is also putting up great numbers. After 20 games in the Allsvenskan Sondra (Swedish Division 2 - same level as Ryder is playing in), Chris has the following stats:

20 games, 1215 minutes played (tops in the league), save% .9254 (2nd), gaa 1.73 (3rd), SO 2 (tied 2nd).

Also very impressive. A club can never have too many assets; especially in nets, not only because the puck stops with the goalie (as it should), but because the contemporary low-scoring NHL game places a premium on superior net-minding. Garon for Bonk is our most recent best example of that.