Caps Get Huet For A Second Round Pick

The Caps have acquired Cristobal Huet from Montreal for a 2nd round pick in the 2008 2009 draft (which pick? Not sure) (and the pick is the one the Caps got from Anaheim for Brian Sutherby earlier in the year - so the Caps turned Suts into Huet).

The 32-year-old Huet has never had a save percentage below .907 or a GAA above 2.81 in any full NHL season and is 21-12-6 with a 2.55 GAA and .916 save percentage this season. While he may not be "the answer," he is if the question is "can you name a French goalie who's better than either Olie Kolzig and Brent Johnson?" And hell, Huet may not even have to change his pads.

From his scouting report, Huet "Has a wealth of International (including Olympic) experience, so he rarely gets rattled by pressure situations," and "is an extremely sound positional 'keeper," but "is physically limited in terms of lateral mobility and overall agility," and "must make better in-game adjustments."

Huet is an unrestricted free agent after this season and, interestingly, played for Bruce Boudreau in Manchester of the AHL back in 2002-03.

What They're Saying:

"I'm shocked. I don't think they got enough for Huet... The Montreal Canadiens have had succeess going with rookie goaltender in the past... But I'm surprised the market was so small for Huet." - Keith Jones, TSN.ca"

"For Washington, Huet's a major upgrade. If Kolzig had a .916 save percentage at this point, the Capitals would have allowed 35 fewer goals with their starter between the pipes, which would improve the team to a 2.49 goals against average (10th best in the league)." - Mirtle

"For giving up so little for an established starting goaltender, the Capitals appear the big winners in this one." - Spector

"[I]t shows Washington hasn't given up on the division -- but has given up on Olaf Kolzig, who apparently can't play in consecutive games anymore. I'd jump at the chance to get Huet for a second-round pick. The guy can play. I would have thought Montreal could have gotten more." - Lord Stanley's Blog

"In Washington, Huet will provide more stability in goal, where Olaf Kolzig is in his third-straight season posting a goals against average over 3.00, and his .888 save percentage is his lowest mark since 1995-1996.

That being the case, Huet will most likely improve Washington's goaltending, giving them a chance to reach the playoffs and the cost of a draft pick isn't that significant for that kind of acquisition." - Scott Cullen, TSN.ca