Kolzig To Montreal?

TSN is reporting that Washington Capitals net-minder Olaf Kolzig has called it quits, with the Caps at least. Being that Kolzig played for Tri-City in the WHL before and while he played for the Caps, as did Carey Price, is it possible that Kolzig could end up in Montreal?

Why not? Kolzig although 38 years old, could be a mentor for a couple of years for young Carey Price, not to mention the fact that the Montreal Canadiens would have two big goalies.

Kolzig who called it quits in Washington, has stated that he is not ready yet to retire, but if no offers come in, then he will sit by his pool, and drink his beers while taking it easy.

With Jaroslav Halak stating earlier this week that he would like to play more than 25 games next season, Bob Gainey has some questions that need answering. First there’s the how many games does Price want to play, next being the fact that Halak is a restricted free agent as of July 1 2008, will Gainey be able to sign him to play 25, or fewer games? Will Bob Gainey be able to attract a veteran goalie like Kolzig to mentor young Price, and will Kolzig want to play, but in a reduced capacity?

This situation puts the Habs in a good position, both Price and Kolzig have played for Tri-City, Price needs some fine tuning, which Kolzig could help Price with, as well as be ready and not too tired to play when Price needs a break. The reason that Ollie the goalie was tired is because he was the no.1 goalie for the Caps, in a reduced role, Kolzig could regain some of his stature, Kolzig has 7 seasons of 20 wins, as well as 5 of 25 wins, he’s not the best goalie, but perhaps he would be the best back-up for Price, if of course Kolzig would accept that role.

There has been no mention of this possibility, but consider that Halak has to be signed, and for the amount of games that he would play next season for the Habs, that is looking unlikely, so if the Habs are going to try and attempt to sign a veteran back-up goalie, why not Olaf?

Bob Gainey would be wise to contact Kolzig’s agent as soon as possible, as the draft is in a month’s time, and Gainey could trade Halak at the draft to either get a higher pick, or a forward if he knows that Kolzig would replace Halak.

Let’s hope that Gainey is awake, and smelling the occasion that could be his, if he acts quickly enough. Kolzig has two years left in him, at a reduced capacity, why not bring him to Montreal, he would be good for Price as well as the team.

Hopefully Gainey will inquire about Kolzig, if Gainey is able to sign Kolzig, then the Habs would have one less thing to worry about next season, as they would have a good veteran back-up goalie.