This is just my opinion but I think it's the right move for the long term of this hockey team. Before you hang me, let me explain.
First up, this is easier said than done. It's not like you can wave the magic wand and voila! It's a process that involves a lot of talk back and forth and it has to be the right fit for both teams. The right offer may never materialize before January 11th and that's fine.
Trading Moir will allow several things to happen for this hockey club. Let's detail them:
1. Trading away the 20 year-old goaltender will free-up a 20 year-old spot for a veteran forward - providing there is one available at the deadline. There seems to be an abundance of 20 year-old defenseman in the league but not a lot of forwards. This is where the magic wand would come in handy.
2. Moving Moir would allow the Broncos to recall top goaltending prospect Ian Curtis for the remainder of the year. The 16 year-old is currently playing in Cowichan Valley of the BCHL. He could come in and play in a handful of games behind Travis Yonkman and should be able to provide some solid goaltending in that role.
3. The move would allow Travis Yonkman to get some valuable WHL playoff experience. Why not get Yonkman some experience now? When the Broncos are a contender next year and the year after it's going to be Yonkman carrying the load in goal. A series or two would pay off in the long run.
4. Kyle Moir has never won a playoff game. Make no mistake, he is the Broncos two-time MVP and has done it all in the regular season. But, he's 0-6 in the playoffs in his career. I think he's the best Broncos goaltender I've seen (B.J. Boxma and Bryce Wandler included), playoffs just hasn't been his thing.
5. Moir deserves a shot with a WHL championship contender. He's closing in on Jeff Calvert's all-time mark of most games played as a WHL goaltender. He's paid his dues and could compliment a team down the stretch that wants to shore-up their goaltending.
These factors make it obvious to me. But, as I pointed out earlier the right offer may never come before the 11th. If it's a 3rd round draft pick in return, they can't make that move. The Broncos need a body or two in return to help them. That may be more than other teams are willing to pay for Moir's services.
If Moir is still a Bronco after January 11th then great! He has some unfinished business with this team and would be motivated to end his WHL career on a strong note.
I think we should trust any decision the Broncos management makes in this regard. They will do what's best for the present and the future of the hockey club.
Now, do you agree or disagree and why?
8 comments:
I agree with you Jon. One thing though...about Moir's playoff record. I don't think he's to blame for the 0-6 record. Sure, he probably didn't help it. But I've seen every single playoff game Moir has played in and wow, was the entire team ever terrible in every one. I think that given the right team (and it may even be the Swift Current Broncos), Moir's playoff record is about to change!
Either way, trade him or keep him, I'll be happy!
I agree with you Jon. One thing though...about Moir's playoff record. I don't think he's to blame for the 0-6 record. Sure, he probably didn't help it. But I've seen every single playoff game Moir has played in and wow, was the entire team ever terrible in every one. I think that given the right team (and it may even be the Swift Current Broncos), Moir's playoff record is about to change!
Either way, trade him or keep him, I'll be happy!
I agree with your playoff thoughts.
I agree with you Jon, I love what Moir has done for this club, but I think we need to move him so Yonkman and Curtis can get some valuable ice time this season. Moir is more consistent when he gets a ton of games. If Yonks is the goalie next year why not make him the guy this year. I think it will be a package deal. We got some older guys (no need to name them) who have not been performing on a consistent basis. Just my opinion. Our younger kids sure have impressed me. We look great in the coming years
I agree with Joel, trade a certain older player away with Moir. Our young guys are carrying this team right now. (I'm not saying throw out all the older guys because I'm sure they do provide leadership and a hell of a lot of hard work, but our 16, 17 and 18 year olds are awesome)
Can you imagine what this team will be like next season and the season following? Look at the players that are 16 and 17 (therefore can play for 2 more seasons for sure, maybe a third!) : Wudrick, Gervais, Postma, Claffey, Molle, Tassone and Toulmin. Some of these players are already key in the Broncos lineup. Add in the players that are not here this season that are projected to be amazing (Eakin, Curtis, etc) and you have an awesome team.
Last but not least, I have to say looking at this post I'm about to make, I have to eat my words. I'm still not 100% sold on Dean, but he has been involved in drafting/trading/etc all this awesome young guys, so he obviously isn't as terrible as everyone thinks he is! I still think he may make a better GM than coach, but at least he's doing something good for this club!
Moir has done everything that he can for Swift Current...with the obvious exception of stealing a playoff game, let alone a playoff series. My bet is he would love nothing better to show that come playoff time, he is a big time performer whether that is here or somewhere else. Not many teams looking for a 20 yr old goalie and not many willing to give up much, if anything. Moving him shows the Dean has appreciated all he has done and is going to give him a chance to show that he is as good as all those other 86 tenders out there. It also give Yonkman a playoff opportunity that will be important next year when the team should be a serious contender. I say move him, just don't be upset if we don't get immediate help or significant help...
I'm happy either way, really. We could use one more body, that's for sure, but this trade definitely isn't easy. It can't be...look at the possibilities. There's almost zero! Whatever Deano does, I don't think it'll happen 'till the last minute....if he does anything. I'm sure we'll be fine either way.
Unbelievable finish in Sweden today, for Team Canada. How in the world can those kids take that immense pressure in the shootout like they do....knowing the entire country is watching, and you're the only single person that can stop this puck, and get us to gold...WOW!!!
Jon, just finished watching Dallas in Vancouver. SHOOTOUT too. Maybe we should put Jussi Jokinen beside Jon Teows in the SO, eh? Didn't go the Stars' way tonight. Went six rounds, and Jussi Jokinen did score...as usual...but the Stars were unable to beat Luongo, until Leonard Kessler finally beat Turco for the winner....OH WELL! Dallas' record in shootouts is now 14 and 2...still decent, eh?? LOL LOL
Are you NUTS!?!? Trade Moir and go into the playoffs with one legitimate goalie?? If your starter gets injured (see last year's Oilers) you need something more than a 16 year old to take his place...
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