Mathieu Garon invited to training camp (PTO)

[Herby]

Garon to Manchester makes zero sense guys unless he's the backup down there, and frankly, why would he sign on to be an AHL backup when a goalie of his caliber can easily get a starting job, paying a lot more, in Europe?

And he's only likely to be the backup in Manchester. I can't see DL and Co. letting Berube/Jones/whoever ride the pine so Garon can get minutes.

Could be to push Scrivens, or as a warmed up ready to go body if there were an injury to Scrivens or god forbid Quick.

Or if another team suffers an injury in camp Garon is in game shape and ready to be signed by them.

Garon's career has to be looked upon as a colossal disappointment, guy had the physical tools to atleast be a middle of the road starter in the NHL, maybe even more, but in all my years of following the Kings I don't think I ever remember a goalie who was so mentally fragile. That is what is great about Quick, watching the 2012 DVD and how they talked about his composure after the Morris goal from the red line, and how he just shook it off, if that was Mathieu Garon he gives up 5 goals and is yanked.

 

[kingsfan]

Agreed.

I was pumped we got him, but he never really had the mental capability to be a regular guy. He shone when the pressure wasn't on him and he was a backup, look at his first season in Edmonton, even his second season here when he wasn't expected to be anything more than the backup. But when you expect more out of him, he crumbled.

Great backup, but that's it.

 

[KingCanadain1976]

Garon to Manchester makes zero sense guys unless he's the backup down there, and frankly, why would he sign on to be an AHL backup when a goalie of his caliber can easily get a starting job, paying a lot more, in Europe?

And he's only likely to be the backup in Manchester. I can't see DL and Co. letting Berube/Jones/whoever ride the pine so Garon can get minutes.

I can see him in Mancheaster backing up Jones ( if he signs ) I can also see him getting the call up should scivens or quick gets hurt ( god forbid) because at least hes got some nhl experinece starting.

 

[CowMix]

Wouldn't be surprised if he beats out Sciven's for the backup job in training camp, but do we even have the cap space to consider him?

I can see him in Mancheaster backing up Jones ( if he signs ) I can also see him getting the call up should scivens or quick gets hurt ( god forbid) because at least hes got some nhl experinece starting.

Wouldn't he have to pass through waivers?

 

[KingCanadain1976]

Wouldn't be surprised if he beats out Sciven's for the backup job in training camp, but do we even have the cap space to consider him?



Wouldn't he have to pass through waivers?

right now we are over the cap but we also have 9 defenseman so moves will have to be made. Even if we just send down or waive ellerby and shultz it would gave us enuff room providing garon sign for around 600k.

As for ur wavier question i dont think he would if he signed a two way contract but i could be wrong. He is a ufa that played in the nhl last year so i wouldnt think he would.

 

[kingsfan]

right now we are over the cap but we also have 9 defenseman so moves will have to be made. Even if we just send down or waive ellerby and shultz it would gave us enuff room providing garon sign for around 600k.

As for ur wavier question i dont think he would if he signed a two way contract but i could be wrong. He is a ufa that played in the nhl last year so i wouldnt think he would.

One way or two way contracts make zero difference on if someone is subject to waivers or no. One way contracts simply guarantee the player gets paid the same, whether in the NHL or the AHL, while a two way deal means you get paid one salary in the NHL, a different salary in the minors.

As for your comment previous about Garon backing up Jones in the minors, it just doesn't make sense. If you were in Garon's shoes, would you ride the pine for likely 75% of the season, in the AHL no less, or go and be a starter elsewhere (even on a different AHL team or in Europe) and likely get paid a lot more to do so?

The difference in what Garon can make in Europe versus the AHL is likely fairly significant.

 

[KingCanadain1976]

One way or two way contracts make zero difference on if someone is subject to waivers or no. One way contracts simply guarantee the player gets paid the same, whether in the NHL or the AHL, while a two way deal means you get paid one salary in the NHL, a different salary in the minors.

As for your comment previous about Garon backing up Jones in the minors, it just doesn't make sense. If you were in Garon's shoes, would you ride the pine for likely 75% of the season, in the AHL no less, or go and be a starter elsewhere (even on a different AHL team or in Europe) and likely get paid a lot more to do so?

The difference in what Garon can make in Europe versus the AHL is likely fairly significant.

Interesting way of putting that. I think Garon at this point in his carrer isnt nessarly after the almighty dollar. I think with expansion coming in the next year or two hes more or less looking to stay in the nhl system. What would look better to a new nhl team really good ahl stats or playing in europe. I think hes looking to play in north america myself. This tryout will also leet other nhl teams look at him. I think a handshake agreement that if there a postion in the nhl that opens up he will be able to go there. Maybe a injury in training camp to a goalie happens for example. As far as what would i do money is not always a motivator for people. i would rather play in the ahl for a little less rather then move half way accross the world and get used to a whole new culture maybe language etc. Alot of that because hes a little older and may want to be closer to home family friends etc.

 

[tigermask48]

As for your comment previous about Garon backing up Jones in the minors, it just doesn't make sense. If you were in Garon's shoes, would you ride the pine for likely 75% of the season, in the AHL no less, or go and be a starter elsewhere (even on a different AHL team or in Europe) and likely get paid a lot more to do so?

The difference in what Garon can make in Europe versus the AHL is likely fairly significant.

There is a chance that may not even be an option for Garon. A lot of the European leagues cut back on the number of import players allowed on teams last year and more are this year. The KHL has or is cutting back the number of games that an import player can dress for. The DEL has as well. All of the leagues in Italy decreased the number of "points" teams can assign for a game (meaning less imports, since they are worth more "points,") the CHL has even talked recently of possibly banning import goalies all together.

There are frankly a lot less jobs available in Europe than there has been in the past few years as countries have attempted to grow their leagues and turned more to developing their own players instead o relying on ex NHL/AHL players.

 

[kingsfan]

Interesting way of putting that. I think Garon at this point in his carrer isnt nessarly after the almighty dollar. I think with expansion coming in the next year or two hes more or less looking to stay in the nhl system. What would look better to a new nhl team really good ahl stats or playing in europe. I think hes looking to play in north america myself. This tryout will also leet other nhl teams look at him. I think a handshake agreement that if there a postion in the nhl that opens up he will be able to go there. Maybe a injury in training camp to a goalie happens for example. As far as what would i do money is not always a motivator for people. i would rather play in the ahl for a little less rather then move half way accross the world and get used to a whole new culture maybe language etc. Alot of that because hes a little older and may want to be closer to home family friends etc.

For some goalies, going to Europe is a good career move. Ask Ray Emery.

 

[KingCanadain1976]

For some goalies, going to Europe is a good career move. Ask Ray Emery.

Big difference for someone at 25 26 to go the the khl then someone at 35 at the tail end of there carrer

 

[kingsfan]

Big difference for someone at 25 26 to go the the khl then someone at 35 at the tail end of there carrer

Not financially when compared with going to the AHL, especially if it's to sit as a backup.

If Garon wants to get into coaching or something, going to the A and helping the young guys is a great idea. If he's just looking for a place to be a starter or for a place to make some money, their are better options than the AHL.

 

[KingCanadain1976]

Not financially when compared with going to the AHL, especially if it's to sit as a backup.

If Garon wants to get into coaching or something, going to the A and helping the young guys is a great idea. If he's just looking for a place to be a starter or for a place to make some money, their are better options than the AHL.

First off again financially is not the be all and end all of a persons wants. Yes if money was all he wants then if he could get a offer in a different league yes he should take it. With more and more restriction place on them leagues as pointed out the opening for a old goalie at the end of his carrer are few. Again if hes in north america hes more likely to get a call up on a emergency basis. His chances of playing nhl hockey is better and who knows he may get a full time job by playing well in that call up. Also spending a year in the ahl would let him see the ahl cites for a future coaching job should he be wanting that. At this stage of his carrer i think he should know by now hes not a starter even in the ahl. Hes a carrer decent backup goalie.

 

[kingsfan]

First off again financially is not the be all and end all of a persons wants. Yes if money was all he wants then if he could get a offer in a different league yes he should take it. With more and more restriction place on them leagues as pointed out the opening for a old goalie at the end of his carrer are few. Again if hes in north america hes more likely to get a call up on a emergency basis. His chances of playing nhl hockey is better and who knows he may get a full time job by playing well in that call up. Also spending a year in the ahl would let him see the ahl cites for a future coaching job should he be wanting that. At this stage of his carrer i think he should know by now hes not a starter even in the ahl. Hes a carrer decent backup goalie.

Money may not be the end all be all (you can be the judge of that, though how important is money to a number of these players really? Seems like a lot considering how many turn down contracts to go elsewhere for more money), but playing time can be. Do you see DL and Co. letting Garon get the majority of the starts ahead of Jones/Berube/etc.?

Also, what other guy Garon's age has gone to the AHL, once again likely to be a backup, and had that pan out as a good career move in relation to a return to the NHL?

I can not think of another 34, soon to be 35 year old goaltender going to the AHL after a lengthy NHL career and then getting rewarded, no matter how good his play is, with an NHL job later on. Can you?

The coaching angle makes more sense than the idea of the AHL being a playing career advancement for him.

 

[onlyalad]

It could be that Garon cant get a deal anywhere and is using camp as a way to stay in game shape. The Kings may have needed another goalie for camp and Garon was available. They used Storr a couple of years ago. Both side may know this is just for camp and Garon will be movin on

 

[kingsfan]

Could be, though how many goalies are coming to camp? Quick, Scribbles, Berube and anyone else? Any invite for Bartosak?

 

[KINGS17]

I see Garon as insurance if Jones isn't in camp.

 

[King'sPawn]

Wouldn't be surprised if he beats out Sciven's for the backup job in training camp, but do we even have the cap space to consider him?



Wouldn't he have to pass through waivers?

Well, yeah, but given that he's not signed yet and just getting a PTO, there seems to be little to no interest from other teams. In that case, waivers doesn't seem to be a concern.

 

[KingCanadain1976]

Money may not be the end all be all (you can be the judge of that, though how important is money to a number of these players really? Seems like a lot considering how many turn down contracts to go elsewhere for more money), but playing time can be. Do you see DL and Co. letting Garon get the majority of the starts ahead of Jones/Berube/etc.?

Also, what other guy Garon's age has gone to the AHL, once again likely to be a backup, and had that pan out as a good career move in relation to a return to the NHL?

I can not think of another 34, soon to be 35 year old goaltender going to the AHL after a lengthy NHL career and then getting rewarded, no matter how good his play is, with an NHL job later on. Can you?

The coaching angle makes more sense than the idea of the AHL being a playing career advancement for him.

Again a goalie of his age is looking at more then just money at this point in his carrer. As you even said he could be looking at a coaching carrer where a backup goalie mentoring young players could be a perfect role to being a assistant coach afterwards. All im saying is it more likely possible to get back to the nhl this year if hes playing in north america. A person at the tail end of his carrer might not be as interested in money as in playing closer to home. After 12 nhl season hes made more then enuff to live on. I would think hes interest would be more in looking for a carrer after nhl. I also think there a expansion coming which me may or may not have a backup postion. Staying in north america makes it alot easier to get to a job should it open up Ie someone gets hurt in practise etc. Being a backup goalie in the ahl would keep him in game shape. As far as him starting over jones or berbe no he wouldnt. I would however suggest he would get the call up should quick or scrivens gets hurt. I think l would want someone with some experience to replace them. So long story short i think its not as crazy as you first thought.

 

[kingsfan]

This year, yes. But you and me both know that the odds of Garon getting a recall from the AHL to play any minutes at all means that either Scrivens would need to suck badly or one of Quick or Scrivens needs to get hurt. Can it happen? Sure. But the odds are what? Additionally, even if that happened, the Kings would then also need to agree that it's better for them to recall Garon than recall Jones/Berube and give them the experience. You say you'd recall Garon over Jones/Berube. If so, why have those guys at all? You need to be recalled to gain experience in the first place. If all we're going to do is plunk in some old vet in stead of recalling them, there's no sense in having them there. Additionally, if that was the plan, why would DL even resign Jones, something he had to try to do in order to retain his rights as an RFA? You do have to offer an RFA a contract at the league minimum (for him I believe it is the same value as his old contract plus a 10 per cent increase). If DL didn't do that, Jones would be a UFA right now, so obviously DL offered him a contract. He wouldn't do that if he had zero interest in keeping him in the Kings plans. When does Jones deserve a recall, especially one to be the backup who rides the bench and gets only minimal playing time? He is 24 in January and has three seasons and over 130 professional games under his belt. He's due for at least a cup of coffee to see if he's ready or if the Kings need to cut bait on him.

The odds are much more likely that Garon would be in the minors the entire season.

Also, while it is possible Garon wants to start a future career as a coach, as I stated, there's zero proof or indication of that. Additionally, wouldn't he have just signed in Manchester, rather than a PTO in LA?

As for expansion, come on. The league hasn't even announced that yet, and usually they are at least one full NHl season before they do an expansion, often more than that. I believe with Nashville, Trotz and company were in place two years before the club even played a game. Garon is 35 soon, odds are he'd be at least 37 before the league did an expansion, assuming they even did expand, something that, once again, there is zero proof of. In all likelihood he'll be retired for a few years before the league expands again, assuming they do.

As for staying in shape, how does being a backup keep him in as much, or more, shape as being a starter? Not to mention that if game shape was a big concern for him, he could likely catch on as a starter in the AHL, or even the ECHL, thus staying in North America, getting lots of action, and staying in shape.

 

[KingCanadain1976]

This year, yes. But you and me both know that the odds of Garon getting a recall from the AHL to play any minutes at all means that either Scrivens would need to suck badly or one of Quick or Scrivens needs to get hurt. Can it happen? Sure. But the odds are what? Additionally, even if that happened, the Kings would then also need to agree that it's better for them to recall Garon than recall Jones/Berube and give them the experience.

The odds are much more likely that Garon would be in the minors the entire season.

At this point in his carrer hes only looking for a job one year at a time. I disagree some other team may need him due to a injury or someone else sucking so the odds arent as slim as u think. I think hes the perfect type of depth goalie we need. If there is a injury would u be more comfortable playing jones (who looks to be holding out) Berube who has no/ little ahl experience or Garon has starting nhl experience. Personally i say Garon. With the better defense of the kings now i would think he would do better then he has ever. Personally i dont think he would sit the whole year in the ahl i think somone gets hurt and he goes to that team as there backup. I think we could get a 5th or so for him.

 

[kingsfan]

At this point in his carrer hes only looking for a job one year at a time. I disagree some other team may need him due to a injury or someone else sucking so the odds arent as slim as u think. I think hes the perfect type of depth goalie we need. If there is a injury would u be more comfortable playing jones (who looks to be holding out) Berube who has no/ little ahl experience or Garon has starting nhl experience. Personally i say Garon. With the better defense of the kings now i would think he would do better then he has ever. Personally i dont think he would sit the whole year in the ahl i think somone gets hurt and he goes to that team as there backup. I think we could get a 5th or so for him.

The only way I'd play Garon over Jones is if one of our goalies is out for a LONG time. And frankly, if that happened, I'd rather the Kings try and trade for someone or even sign a retread like Theodore, someone who has extensive experience playing a lot of minutes per season over his career. If we are talking just a game or two though while someone recovers from the flu or something minor, which is far more likely, then give me Jones. He's been inconsistent, but he's also put up great numbers in the AHL and looked strong down the stretch. And we do have to see what he's got at the NHL level sometime. Not to mention Garon has been every bit as shaky as Jones has ever been as well over his career. There's a reason someone with the talents he has has never been able to grab the starters job and maintain it. he was blasted out of LA in favor of Dan Cloutier in the first place.

Give me Jones over Garon any day.

 

[KingCanadain1976]

The only way I'd play Garon over Jones is if one of our goalies is out for a LONG time. And frankly, if that happened, I'd rather the Kings try and trade for someone or even sign a retread like Theodore, someone who has extensive experience playing a lot of minutes per season over his career. If we are talking just a game or two though while someone recovers from the flu or something minor, which is far more likely, then give me Jones. He's been inconsistent, but he's also put up great numbers in the AHL and looked strong down the stretch. And we do have to see what he's got at the NHL level sometime. Not to mention Garon has been every bit as shaky as Jones has ever been as well over his career. There's a reason someone with the talents he has has never been able to grab the starters job and maintain it. he was blasted out of LA in favor of Dan Cloutier in the first place.

Give me Jones over Garon any day.

At this point Jones is holding out. So i wouldn't say hes a option at the moment. As for the reason why he isnt signed to mancheaster yet is in case there is a injury somewhere else or job opening he can always sign there or jones holds out he can sign to start there/ or just backup if no other offers. I would rather Garon come up and backup or play the odd game over haveing the ahl starter go up to back up or start a few game. I think that would hamper his developement. Garon has the experience to do that. Lets not forget the teams he was playing on had alot to do with that. I would be willing to gamble his numbers would be pretty good having this team in front of him. Lets not forget the last time he was here he didnt have this defensive team in front of him.l

 

[tigermask48]

Could be, though how many goalies are coming to camp? Quick, Scribbles, Berube and anyone else? Any invite for Bartosak?

Usually all the goalies from rookie camp get invites as well as any non NCAA prospects, and whoever is under contract. So you'd be looking at;

Quick, Scrivens, Bartosak, Berube, Niederberger, Garon and potentially Jones unless he is indeed holding out.

Kings usually run 2-3 squads for camp with typically 2 goalies with each squad.
So in the past there has been 6 goalies in camp.

Garon definitely appears to be the placeholder for Jones in the equation. It may be simply as a warm body to take shots in practice, or something more but it's tough to say. I could for sure see Garon going the Wade Flaherty route and spending the later part of his career as an AHL starter/mentor for younger guys.

 

[Buddy The Elf]

Do you guys think Garon likes the black and silver jerseys?

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Do you guys think Garon likes the black and silver jerseys?

It make me puke.