Thomas or Fernandez???

Seeing as both have similar stats and are both UFA's at season's end, who will stay on to mentor Rask? At the start of the year, and even at the end of October, I would have said it was a no brainer that Thomas would stick, but Fernandez, has been very impressive, and looks to be taking over as the starter. Thoughts?

Puck

id say its manny!

I think it'll ultimately be Thomas.

I think Thomas will win out for a few reasons. He's been great for the past few years for the B's and has worked his ass off to get where he has. I think his work ethic and performance have earned him some loyalty (maybe I am naive to think that loyalty matters). The other reason is that Fernandez is coming off a knee injury that sidelined him for almost all of last year. Since they are the same age, I think the injury history has to play a factor. To the best of my knowledge Timmy T has been injury free. I own Fernandez, so I hope I am wrong.

Where could you see Fernandez going if he doesn't resign?

HeAtH wrote:
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Where could you see Fernandez going if he doesn't resign?

I dunno. It's gonna be tough for Manny. Even his own father-in-law didnt want him in Minnesota.

Probably makes the holidays a little uncomfortable.


But seriously, my guess is that he goes to a team like Tampa with a young goalie and assumes the roll that Kolzig had as backup/mentor.

NYR9394 wrote:
HeAtH wrote:
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Where could you see Fernandez going if he doesn't resign?

I dunno. It's gonna be tough for Manny. Even his own father-in-law didnt want him in Minnesota.

Probably makes the holidays a little uncomfortable.


But seriously, my guess is that he goes to a team like Tampa with a young goalie and assumes the roll that Kolzig had as backup/mentor.

Im skeptical of that. Of all the guys that were supposedly going to go and be a number one on another team this year its the old dogs that have put up the most credible numbers. Also the teams that truly need a number one are more apt to put their faith in a proven commodity imo.

Ottawa is likely for Khabi or Fernandez (for next year- I doubt either gets moved at the deadline). Capitals are a good one. Both have shown they are willing to give up more starts than your average tender so easing in Varlamov or Neuvirth would be easier. St. Louis- they'll need a real number one eventually. Colorado is another major player in the goalie search.

Although I think that Boston will go with Thomas to mentor Rask, managemnet in Boston has never really seemed to have faith in him. He took the job from Raycroft, so managemnet anoints Toivenen the number 1. He takes the job from Toivenen, so they trade for Fernandez to be the number 1. He outplays Fernandez last season, but they still say Fernandez is their guy because he was injured. Anyone else see the pattern?

I don't see this getting settled until after the season is over; all that I thinkwe can say is that at leats one of them won't be back next season.

Just my $.02