Jaroslav Halak’s agent blasts the New York Islanders’ three goalie system. General manager Garth Snow responds by placing the netminder on the trade block.
This offseason, goaltender Jaroslav Halak voiced his displeasure with the New York Islanders’ three goalie system. Fans and analysts have speculated how the issue could be resolved, but Garth Snow has made no indication as to how he intends to resolve the conundrum.
It Just Doesn’t Work
Halak’s comments on locker room clean out day reverberated strongly.
According to the New York Post on May 10, Halak said that “It’s not ideal, I’ve tried to tell [management], and this is not up to me. I like it here, but they just have to decide which way they want to go for next season. J-F is a young goalie, Greisser played well all season long. So we’ll see.”
Following an offseason where the speculation was that Halak would be traded, “Jaro” underwent his most rigorous off-season training to date and reported for Team Europe’s net.
There, he caught the attention of not just the Islanders, but the NHL. Halak was stellar in the World Cup of Hockey, guiding Team Eruope to a finals appearance and posting incredible numbers while doing so (.941 save percentage, 2.15 GAA).
However, none of the Isles goalies seem to be getting the appropriate practice and training time, agent Allan Walsh tweeted.
Starting goalie for NY Islanders last game had only 1 quality practice in last 5 days before Penguins game. Going on 2 years of this now.
— Allan Walsh (@walsha) October 29, 2016
Hard to figure out NY Islanders using 3 goalie system for 2nd year. Biggest issue is goalies don't get enough practice time to stay sharp.
— Allan Walsh (@walsha) October 29, 2016
Agent Takes Notice
This week, the agent of Jaroslav Halak and JF Berube sounded off on the Islanders three-man goalie tandem.
It’s really hard to blame Walsh, Halak or J-F Berube. The situation is evidently not ideal for any of the goalies. It doesn’t make sense that Halak shouldn’t be able to garner consistent playing time, especially after shining against some of the world’s best players in the World Cup of Hockey and posting some of the best numbers of his career.
Fans have been quick to point fingers. “Oh, he was never that great,” some have said. “Halak was due to fall back down to Earth,” others have clamored. And while apologists are not any better, it’s imperative to give the goalies a shot. Without proper practice and conditioning, it’s hard to get into a groove.
During Halak’s first year on the Island, he settled nicely into the net. He set franchise records for wins in a single season (38) and consecutive wins (11). Despite that, he only played in twenty-six games last season, and has been less than stellar thus far.
It’s evident that after being put on blast, Garth Snow now has to make a move. What he will do remains to be seen.
UPDATE:
Word tonight is that after @walsha Twitter blast of NYI carrying three goalies, NYI GM has let league know Jaroslav Halak is available.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 30, 2016
