The New York Islanders announced Friday that they have placed veteran goaltender Jaroslav Halak on waivers.
NYI put Jaro Halak on waivers.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) December 30, 2016
New York Islanders Place Jaroslav Halak on Waivers
Halak has been a member of the Islanders since 2014, when he was traded from the St. Louis Blues to the Washington Capitals, and then eventually to the Isles. In 145 starts from 2013-16, he has been one of the more underrated net minders in the game, posting a .918 save percentage and 2.33 goals against average, holding a modest .924 career even strength save percentage. The 2016-17 season has been an entirely different story, however. In October, the Islanders placed the goaltender on the trade block. Since, he has still continued to man the crease for New York.
Halak’s goals against has elevated to 3.23 and his save percentage of .904 has joined the goals against as career worsts. The year has not only been rough on him, but for the Islanders as a whole. The Isles sit in eight place in the Metropolitan Division at 14-15-6 and rank 26th out of 30 in the entire NHL. They sit in 28th place in goals average against at 3.11 goals per game.
It was rumored that Halak would be traded due to the fact that he was placed on the trade block and because of the recent playing of Jean-Francois Berube and Thomas Greiss over him. It is known that both Halak and his agent are disappointed in the Isles’ management regarding them bringing in Berube as a possible third goaltender.
Halak has one year remaining on his contract at $4.5 million. With him on the waiver wire now, teams with goalie issues will have him on the radar. Many remember the 31-year old Bratislava native for his incredible playoff performance in 2010 for the Montreal Canadiens when they upset the Presidents Trophy-winning Washington Capitals with Halak giving up three goals total in the final three games posting a .939 save percentage all series.
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