The San Jose Sharks were believed in the market for an experienced backup for starting goaltender Evgeny Nabokov, and might have found one via an unconventional means.
Instead of making a trade, Sharks GM Doug Wilson signed Philadelphia Phantoms goaltender Brian Boucher to an NHL contract.
If that name sounds familiar, it should, as Boucher has played with the Flyers, Coyotes, Flames and Blackhawks. He’s spent this season toiling in the minors this season and it remains to be seen if he’ll be backing up Nabokov or if he’ll be staying in minors.
The Anaheim Ducks meanwhile added some veteran depth to their goaltending ranks, acquiring J.S. Aubin from the Los Angeles Kings for a seventh round draft pick.
Spector....a quick question:
Boucher was playing for Philadelphia's affiliate team (Phantoms). How is San Jose capable of signing a player that is in the farm of another team? Do they owe anything to the Flyers....if not, why? Cause if they don't owe anything then could any team sign players in the minor league?
Boucher played very well for the Phantoms this season and it probably affects their chances for a Calder cup more than anything else. He's capable enough, but if it came down to him in the playoffs, needless to say the Sharks would be in some serious trouble.
According to Tim Panaccio in today's Inquirer, the Flyers had the option of asking for something in return, but declined. Holmgren was simply pleased to see Brian Boucher get a shot at playing in the bigs again. Class act.
I just watched Boucher's first start for the Sharks. If he can give them a good performance when needed, this may end up being a good trade deadline with adding the two Brian's.
Why would Anaheim trade for Jean-Sebastien Aubin? Is this a pity acquisition? A novelty?
I know a seventh round pick is a small price to pay but why would a team use their nickels to buy a turd? Aubin doesn't have a winning record and he has ONE lousy minute of playoff crease presence.
Does anyone know anything about Aubin that can help me to understand why this happened? Spector? Can ya help a brother out, here?
I'm Lyle Richardson, also known as Spector, Foxsports.com 's "Prince of Pucks".,which is based on the fact I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada and I couldn't think of a better byline. I've been an NHL hockey commentator since 1998 on my website, Spector's Hockey, and I'm a contributing writer for Foxsports.com , The Hockey News and Eishockey News. I'm also a regular on The Faceoff Hockey Show and a frequent guest on "The Late Crew" on The Team 1200 Ottawa.
