RealGM

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=370589

The Colorado Avalanche have improved themselves between the pipes by acquiring goaltender Semyon Varlamov from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a first round pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft and a second round pick in either 2012 or 2013.

The 23-year-old netminder was 11-9-5 in 27 games last season with a 2.23 Goals Against Average for the Capitals. He did not appear in any playoff games as the Capitals were eliminated in the second round.

Varlamov was selected 23rd overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the Capitals and made his debut during the 2008-09 season.

I think that might be a little much for Varlamov considering that 1st rounder is probably going to be a pretty high pick. But I do really like what the Av`s are doing right now, they have a great looking young core right now.

Might be? They could've just signed him to an offer sheet and the Caps would've just let him go. They way overpaid.

Colorado is stupid. Washington got a 1st and 2nd for their 3rd string goalie that wasn't going to play again for them to begin with.

trwi7 wrote:Might be? They could've just signed him to an offer sheet and the Caps would've just let him go. They way overpaid.

No way Washington let's him walk for the 3 year 8.5 mil Varly signed for. He's their most talented Goalie even if his injury problems have let Neuvirth surpass him in Washington. The kid has shown exceptional talent, is only 23 and has that tough-mindedness a goalie needs to play great in the playoffs.

He was third string there. At the very least dare Washington to match and if they do then trade for him.

Varlamov is a good, young goaltender. However, Colorado isn't really in a position to be trading their first round picks away right now, especially in a top heavy draft in 2012. The Leafs learned the hard way after trading a first for Toskala (which looked to be a reasonable deal at the time) and Rask for Raycroft.

If I'm Colorado, I'd be looking for a stop gap in net with someone like Mike Smith or Theodore to go along with their recent Giguere signing. Throughout the season, feel the market out for a younger goaltender and maybe a Bernier/Schneider/Bobrovsky/Rask becomes available for your draft pick and/or prospects.

Great Washington on a lotto pick.

Huuminh wrote:Great Washington on a lotto pick.

Great Huuminh on a post pad.