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Calgary Flames: Can Jaroslav Halak Make an Impact on this Team?

By Dan Raicevich

Feb 25, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; New York Islanders goalie Jaroslav Halak (41) makes a save as Calgary Flames left wing Jiri Hudler (24) tries to score during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. New York Islanders won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; New York Islanders goalie Jaroslav Halak (41) makes a save as Calgary Flames left wing Jiri Hudler (24) tries to score during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. New York Islanders won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, rumors began surfacing about the Calgary Flames potentially acquiring Jaroslav Halak from the New York Islanders. Can Jaroslav Halak make an impact on the Calgary Flames if he is obtained?

Kevin Weekes discussed this possibility on Twitter this afternoon, with the Calgary Flames being a potential suitor for Jaroslav Halak.

https://twitter.com/KevinWeekes/status/836669022536101889

This is a goaltender who has had a disappointing season with the New York Islanders. Finding himself on a one-way ticket to the team’s American Hockey League affiliate Bridgeport, Halak has somewhat played well as of late. He has been seemingly winning every game he has played in, boasting a 14-2-1 record to coincide with a 1.91 goals against average and a 0.933 save percentage to show for it. While being apart of a three goaltender tandem in New York, Halak’s play was affected by this (ask Flames fans how a three goaltender tandem works…not well).

Sep 21, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Team Europe goaltender Jaroslav Halak (41) makes a save against Team Canada during preliminary round play in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey at Air Canada Centre. Team Canada defeated Team Europe 4-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Team Europe goaltender Jaroslav Halak (41) makes a save against Team Canada during preliminary round play in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey at Air Canada Centre. Team Canada defeated Team Europe 4-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

With another year remaining on his contract at a salary cap hit at $4.5 Million, the New York Islanders would be looking to likely have to retain salary in order to get a deal done. This gets to the question. Would he be a good fit in Calgary for the short term or the following year?

He could definitely be a fit in Calgary, without a doubt he can help this team. Both current goaltenders on the roster are unrestricted free agents come seasons end, and the Flames would need an NHL caliber goaltender to protect for the upcoming expansion draft. Like stated above, Halak has another year on his current deal, meaning he could be protected by the Calgary Flames for the draft if they indeed acquired his services. But other than the business side of the game, Halak can provide one things to this team, extremely high caliber streaky goaltending. This is key come playoff time especially. This is something Brian Elliott has also, but Chad Johnson lacks playoff experience in his defense.

Jaroslav Halak has proven to be able to rise to the occasion in big moments, where he nearly led the Montreal Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Final in 2010. He also led the European team into the World Cup of Hockey Final this past September. Halak owns a 2.39 goals against average alongside a 0.924 save percentage in 30 playoff appearances. This is a goaltender whom can come in and steal a playoff series, especially for a young and budding team like the Calgary Flames.

Despite the strong statistical performances to coincide with his ability to play at an elite level in spurts, Jaroslav Halak would be a familiar fit to another Flame goaltender, Brian Elliott. The two were teammates in St. Louis for a handful of seasons. Not only were they teammates, they also won the William Jennings Award together in the 2011-12 season, which is given to the tandem in the National Hockey League that surrenders the least amount of goals. The chemistry and competition was there once before, and it surely could be re-kindled in Calgary.

While there is some smoke to this rumbling, as multiple insiders and media reporters have discussed this manner, Jaroslav Halak would make sense as a fit Calgary. He could come in, provide quality starts on nights off for Brian Elliott if need be, and in the event the current Flames starter would falter or sustain an injury, Jaroslav Halak could provide stability to a team that is likely playoff bound.

Next: Gaudreau, Elliott Lead Flames Past Hurricanes

The cost of acquisition would be minimal, and the Flames could certainly use an extra veteran goaltender, especially a playoff performer like Halak.

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