GOALIE SWAP MEET

There is a show on cable in Canada called Rent-A-Goalie. An NHL version might be coming to a transaction column near you soon.

With the Olympic Break trade freeze in effect today, the next pressure point for trades is March 3rd and there are a host of netminders “available”.

The Stars are one of three teams carrying 3 goalies (the Flyers and Islanders are the others) and the Marty Turco situation is now well documented. But there are a lot of other clubs that seem unsettled with their goaltender position too.

The days of the domination in goal seem to be fading – it’s become a scorer’s league. However, that said, you still need timely saves and above all - if you are a Cup contender - you need a goaltender who won’t “lose you the game.”

So who are the targets that could be stopping rubber elsewhere in early March?

Marty Turco

Martin Biron

Dwayne Roloson

Brian Boucher

Antti Niemi

Tim Thomas

Jaraslav Halak

Carey Price

Mike Smith

Josh Harding

Pekka Rinne

Cory Schneider

And what teams need an upgrade or an off-load the most?

UPGRADE LIST

Chicago – How would you entrust a bulging payroll and a heap of expectations to the two they have in the pipes? Especially “Tough to Hit Huet”

Philadelphia – They haven’t solved their goaltending since Ron Hextall left, and Ray Emery is no Ron Hextall.

Washington – The Caps have firepower in spades but they have an injury battling sophomore in Varlamov and Jose “3 or More” Theodore to guard their own net.

St. Louis – The Blues have a lot of excellent young skaters but lack a young stud in the crease. Expect Canuck prospect Cory Schneider to walk through the Arch any day.

OFF-LOAD LIST

Tampa Bay – Niitymaki has become the guy, so new ownership in Tampa may want to dump Mike Smith to fill a need elsewhere.

Minnesota – It’s probably trade him or lose him time for Josh Harding.

Boston – Tuukka Rask is proving he can be their #1 guy, so erratic reigning Vezina winner Tim Thomas can probably be had.

NY Islanders – Does former goalie turned G.M. Garth Snow have the goalie- sized cup to trust that his 15 year commitment in net will stay healthy any time soon? If so, he has two veterans to peddle

Nashville – The Predators usually shudder when they have to ponder paying a goalie and that’s what they’ll have to do with Rinne this summer.

Montreal – The Habs have two number ones. That sounds great, but isn’t. I think new G.M. Pierre Gauthier has a conundrum to solve.

Dallas – I don’t think an explanation is needed.