Zherdev Finally Signs, Battle Of The Backups in T.O

Let me first start off by saying, Nikolai Zherdev re-signed with Columbus after about a month of negotiations. Zherdev, for 3 years straight, will be payed around 7 mill, give or take a bit. Zherdev finally got his wish, and the Zherdev to Toronto rumors will finally come to an end, because Nikolai is playing the the NHL this year. Read more about his signing at...

My Opinion on this is that its good the Blue Jackets re-signed their young star, but i don't think 7 mill was worth the money. Looks like Zherdev got his way thought, good signing, might as well get him then let him rot in Russia.

Now onto the Leafs Back-up situation. It's widley talked about around NHL sites everywhere, but they all say, Aubin For Back-up! Aubin Rules!... Yes, Aubin had a good end of the season last year. didnt suffer a regulation time loss. Not to take away from Aubs , but i think Tellqvist deserves the role over Aubin. First lets examine some stats for the two back-ups...


GP/W/L/OT/SA/Ga/GAA/SV%/SO

J.s Aubin
11 9/0/2 330 25 2.22 .924 1

Mikeal Tellqvist
25 10/11/2 697 73 3.13 .895 2

So Obviously, Aubin has the better record, playing 14 less games than Mikeal played might of helped that no loss streak, but Tellqvist has a respectable record for a back-up. After the Montreal Series, which some say lost the Leafs the playoffs for the first time in a long while, he was written off by the fans, coaches, and organization. 2 games dont make or break a career, neither does 11. Tellqvist, playing more games, has 1 more shutout than Aubin does. Which shows, along with Aubin, that he is capable of stealing a game, or in this case, 2 of them. 2 shutouts might not be that big of a deal, but if Tellqvist got to finish the season, he might have bounced back from the Montreal Series, like Aubin. Why? the Leafs had no pressure, they just went out to play, which lead to the above average (for the Leafs) defensive coverage, and the play of Mats Sundin, Alexei Ponikarovsky (sp?), and, arguably, Nik Antropov. So would Tellqvist have rose to the challenge in the last 11 games of the 05/06 season? My best guess is yes. Not as spectacular as Aubins run, but the Leafs were out of it after the series, so i am predicting his record would have been around 16/14/4 give or take a loss or so. Thats a pretty swell record. Tellqvist has proved last season that he could, and can take the backup role. Aubin, can be used as the third goalie, like last year, in case of ingury to Raycroft (which can be predictable) or to Telly himself. I dont not think that Telly should be traded or placed of waivers, cause this kid will be gone in a 2 week radius, because teams need an affordable back (Philly). Toronto's not gonna trade anymore, im about 80% sure of that. They'll start the season with three goalies. Maybe closer to the trade deadline is when they get rid of either one, or even Raycroft (if hes horrid like last year). Aubs and Telly are a great 1 two punch for backups, and could split the games evenly when the chance arrives. But if i was to take a back-up goalie out of the 2, Telly would be my choice, and on a highly unlikely last note, Trade Aubin, he has a higher trade value, i hear Philly needs a Goalie JFJ... Oh boy i can hear the stupid rumor mill coming, Aubin for Gagne, Oh Boy...