Canadiens Tokarski and Budaj Face Off

Training camp and the preseason has been looked at as the battle of the backup goalies with Dustin Tokarski and Peter Budaj working their pads off to show off their moves. It’s highly unlikely that Therrien will start the season with three goalies in rotation, so one of them will have to go. And while I’ve been quoted as saying I’d trade Budaj for a third-round pick and a pack of smokes, I actually think we have a better shot at a more complete team over the next two seasons if we sent Tokarski up the river than Budaj.

Why? It’s simple: Tokarski would not be content to sit on the backburner. He’s too good to be a second-string goalie.

This is not his best option, and he knows it. He would be gone in a year or so, tired of moldering on the bench.

May 27, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Dustin Tokarski (35) during the first period in game five of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the New York Rangers at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Budaj, on the other hand, is content to play second fiddle to Carey Price. He’s comfortable on the Canadiens. He’s a known quantity in the locker room, friends with Carey Price, and is a hard worker. He’s always going to give his best effort, and I will reiterate: he’s happy with the Habs.

Budaj is not good enough to be a starting goalie in the NHL, and he and the world know it. Tokarski isn’t yet either, but in a few years he’ll be a force to be reckoned with.

Right now Tokarski’s not ready to be a number-one goalie on a team like the Habs. While he did an amazing job during the postseason, he still needs time to develop. He shouldn’t be forced into the spotlight before he’s ready, despite the fact that the Montreal media are known for being a uniquely kind, forgiving group.

I would love it if Tokarski would stay, content to be Price’s backup for the next couple of seasons, and guaranteeing us amazing goaltending no matter who was behind the mask.

However, that’s simply not realistic.

Tokarski will go, sooner rather than later, to a team in need of a fresh, young goaltender. I could see him fitting well on a team in the midst of a rebuild, such as the newest iteration of the Penguins, with Letang’s contract up for renewal next season, or Carolina, whose goaltending has left something to be desired.

May 17, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; New York Rangers left wing Rick Nash (61) (not pictured) scores a goal against Montreal Canadiens goalie Peter Budaj (30) during the third period in game one of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

On either one of those teams hypothetical future teams Tokarski, provided his level of play continues to improve and impress, would be given a shot at starting goalie relatively quickly.

On the Canadiens he will continue to back up Price, which, while it might be great for our save percentages, would certainly frustrate someone who would likely be deserving of a starting spot.

This is not simply looking out for Tokarski, however. With four alternate captains and no one clear leader in the group, it’s easy to lose track of a young goaltender trying to find his spot on the ice and in the room. His game or attitude could easily start to suffer, creating a less-than-ideal atmosphere among teammates. Frustration and lack of camaraderie can hurt a team’s cohesion on the ice, and attitude problems, while generally kept quiet, are oftentimes revealed as the reason behind what seems to be a not-so-favorable trade.

For Tokarski’s sake and for the Canadiens’ sake, he needs to spend another year bouncing between the AHL and the NHL before heading on to greener pastures. He’s guaranteed a starting spot in the AHL, and would continue to grow as a player. He’s sure to get some time on the Canadiens, if only because Therrien will want to give Price a chance to rest and Tokarski a chance to shine.

And we will continue to be content with Budaj. He’s certainly an affable fellow, at least.