Filling that Empty Net

by Ryan

Unless Ryan Miller is horribly maimed by Maxim Girls because of his blogging, we will have a starting goaltender next year. God willing, he will be a goaltender that doesn't have to play every night while slowly breaking down, losing focus and intensity while battling the pressures of contract talks and a possible trade at the deadline so management can save face.

Ahem.

Insiders (read: everyone) say that Jocelyn Thibault will not be back next season. The good news is that we don't have to pay a half million dollars for an empty net next year, but the bad news is that we are obligated to fill that roster spot, so no hot tub in Sabretooth's House next year. (Don't worry Goose, Quinn would have made sure it was Energy Star compliant...)

That means that unless Bradley Eidsness doesn't want to play for the Sioux next season we will need a backup goaltender. Now I know what you're thinking: another chance to fail in free agency. While the prospect of overpaying for an over the hill has been is quite thrilling, there is another option.



Ray Emery.

Hear me out now. He obviously won't be playing in Ottawa next year, so what better way to heat up the rivalry then by having a former rebound machine manning the far door on the other team's bench? Mark Bellhorn thinks this would be downright diabolical.

Mirtle M.D has a solid post about the situation, and very clearly states the Sabres are a likely option for Emery, as well as highlights the upcoming UFA goaltender class. Do you see anyone on there that is a better option at this point? I doubt Conklin will come back for pennies based on the run he had earlier this year in Pittsburgh.

When you dig deep, Emery does have some redeeming qualities. He is at the very least interesting, and may or may not wear women's shoes. That's gotta be good for something, right? The guy has Mike Tyson on his mask, so you know he's willing to fight for this team. Or with this team. Or with this management. Whatever.

The fact of the matter is this: we have a need, and he needs a team. I think we should give him a serious look over the summer if things don't go so great with Captain Eyebrows. The least we can do is give him the benefit of the doubt, I'd imagine he would reciprocate.

"I'm not a big fan of Buffalo. There's not a lot to do on days off."

Sounds perfect to me.