Quite possibly the biggest move this offseason came with the draft day trade of Cory Schneider from Vancouver to New Jersey. What could remembered as the “Bo Horvat for Schneider deal” is more likely to be recognized as the deal to replace Martin Brodeur. The ageless goaltending icon is probably playing in his last NHL season and won’t give up his starter status without a fight, or father time.
Schneider has already been in this battle before. Putting on a smile and saying the right things became a full time job for Schneider in Vancouver when it became apparent that he was capable of taking Roberto Luongo’s job. After claiming his spot as the starter, it is back to sitting behind another goaltender whose best days are certainly behind him.
With less than 100 starts in his five-year NHL career Cory Schneider still has the bulk of his career in front of him. Statistically it would appear that Schneider is worthy of consideration to be the starter. His regular season numbers are as impressive as anyone over the past two seasons. The playoffs, however, have proven to be much more difficult. Whether it is a statement about the team in front of him or Schneider’s troubles in the spotlight, the postseason has not been kind.
We’ll just go ahead and assume that the announcement Wednesday of Brodeur as the starter was a token tip of the cap to the retiring hero. Whether there is a physical break down or just crappy play, Schneider will be the guy if the Devils make the playoffs. Fortunately for head coach Peter DeBoer, the rest of the team is bad enough that he won’t be faced with the excruciating decision of who to start in the playoffs.
Can anyone really imagine the uproar from the 217 New Jersey fans if Marty was left on the bench for a playoff run? That would be the quickest hook in the history of goalie yanking. Schneider allows a third period goal and is immediately called off the ice while Brodeur takes his spot to close out a 3-1 Devils win. Trust me, it would happen.
Silver linings New Jersey fans. That is what the 2013-14 season is all about for you. Your goalie of the future is secured and you got Ilya Kovalchuk and his 23-year $5 trillion contract off the books. This season will be about survival in a tough new division with rivals that will look to feast on a significantly weaker Devil’s squad.