Keep Halak or Ward? poll

[Savages]

Who Do I keep in my keeper pool? Wins GAA SV% Shutouts

[robmyatt]

My Vote is for Halak,
Can't really go wrong either way here, but Dobber has Halak rated higher in his top 75 keeper goalies. St Louis is an odd team to predict this season but Halak is only 26 and has tons of skill and upside. Long term it is your best option even though Ward could get you slightly better numbers this year if carolina does well.

[regiopolis]

I think Ward is the choice here. He's quietly steady and improving every year - and he already has a Cup, Conn Smythe, and another Conf Finals appearance under his belt.

[PrairieDog]

I think Ward is the choice here. He's quietly steady and improving every year - and he already has a Cup, Conn Smythe, and another Conf Finals appearance under his belt.

I agree - Ward is probably the most underrated goalie in the league - he has a proven track record as a solid dependable starter. I like Halak too, but I would go with Ward.

[dyzfunctioned]

Voted for Ward. Starts more games than almost any other goalie in the game. Not to mention he literally improves every single year, as do the Canes.

[robmyatt]

I think Ward is the choice here. He's quietly steady and improving every year - and he already has a Cup, Conn Smythe, and another Conf Finals appearance under his belt.

All good points, Ward is definitely the "safer" option but Halak has the long term value and upside to be a very solid keeper. He's young, skilled, has shown then ability to steal games, and has a young and improving team in front of him.

[bondon]

Would take Ward, but I don't think you'll be disappointed either way. I think this will be a close one.

[jspaderman]

I would go for Ward. While Halak got off to a great start last year he wore down and posted average numbers down the stretch. I don't see Halak as a 60+ goaltender whereas Ward can handle the load.

[Savages]

ward seems to get more wins and better sv% while Halak a better gaa and Shutouts. But I am leaning towards Halak and trying to hit a homerun cause I think if the Blues can get there sh*t together Halak can have 35+ wins and 7 shutouts. Langenbruner and Arnott will be a good fit for the young Blues and shoud make a great third line.

I may keep Halak even though I know Ward is the safer bet.

[Instant Karma]

I'd go with Ward. He's proven and he's only a year older.

I'm not sold on St. Louis like everyone else is, although they certainly took Colorado to the cleaners with that trade last season.

[TK12555]

I like ward here. I also like that he plays 70 games a year.

[bondon]

I like ward here. I also like that he plays 70 games a year.

I've been wondering about this for awhile. I think the reason why he's been playing so many games is because they didn't have much confidence in Peters' ability to play a significant number of games as a backup, seeing that Carolina needs every win that they can get if they want to make the playoffs.

I think signing Boucher could signify that they intend to lighten the load on Ward a bit, maybe a 62-20 split or something along those lines. In any case, as Goldman points out with the importance of a tandem, I think more rest can only be a good thing for Ward.