Why Is Andrew Raycroft Still With The Leafs?
Andrew Raycroft is not among the group of players protected by no-trade clauses or no-movement clauses. There is nothing written on paper saying the Toronto Maple Leafs are legally obligated to keep Andrew Raycroft on the team. So the question that begs an answer is why the hell is he still here?
You might have thought they were keeping Raycroft to use him down the stretch for the tank that would bring us a high draft pick. I think we’ve all come to the realization that this isn’t going to happen. After seeing Vesa Toskala play what seems like the 300th game in a row on Saturday it’s pretty clear that the Leafs don’t plan to use Raycroft in any significant way. So why keep him?
It certainly isn’t because of his stellar play. The guy is easily the biggest flop on the team and maybe one of the biggest currently playing in the league. If the Leafs are in fact going on a “playoff drive”, as it appears they are attempting to, then Raycroft’s seive-like nature almost ensures he’ll be riding the pine almost the entire time.
So if the Leafs simply aren’t going to play him, then why keep him? The team has pretty clearly given up on Razor. It is probably safe to say he is no longer part of the team’s view of the future. So why is he still taking up space on the team?
What the team should do, and should have already done, is admit Raycroft is an expensive mistake and put him on waivers. In the best case scenario another team grabs Raycroft and the Leafs are rid of him. Sure they’d be on the hook for half his contract but that’s better than all of it! Worst case scenario, no one wants him and he clears. Now take Clemenson and bring him up to the big team to back up Toskala.
Why not Pogge? Simple. Pogge is the current future of the Leafs in net and he needs to develop. Riding the pine in the NHL will do him far less good than playing in the AHL. With Clemenson up on the big team and Raycroft down, the Leafs could get Clemenson a little more NHL experience and get Pogge a lot more games between the pipes on the Marlies.
Where does Raycroft fit into all this. Pretty much the same place he’s in now, except that instead of working but-grooves into the bench for the Leafs, he’ll be doing it for the Marlies. This presents the best possible scenario for the team from all angles of goaltending. Pogge gets as much time as he can handle for the Marlies, the team rids themselves of Raycrofts hit against the cap space, and Clemenson takes the backup job for the big team and does as good a job as Raycroft if not better, and for a fraction of the cost. The team can then shop around in the summer and try and dump Raycroft off for whatever they can get.
Why something like this wasn’t done already I’m not sure, I can not see any point in allowing Raycroft to sit on the bench for the ammount of money he’s taking up in cap space. I can’t imagine it’ll happen again next season.
Stumble it!
March 11th, 2008 at 9:47 am
I made this point over at downgoesbrown.com, but it’s worth repeating: as bad as Raycroft has been this year, he deserves at least some credit for the way he’s handled the situation. He hasn’t sulked, he hasn’t complained to the media, he’s kept his mouth shut and stayed out of the way.
Now you could argue that that’s just basic professionalism, which it is. But as a hockey fan in Ottawa, I know that a backup goalie who decides to sulk and put himself ahead of the team can destroy a dressing room. Raycroft could have become a distraction, and he chose not to.
That doesn’t make him a good goalie. But it makes him a good guy, and I think the least they can do is give him a few games to showcase himself for his next employer.
March 11th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
wow!
I’ve been thinking about this since the opening night game against Ottawa!
I had the theory that it was because JFJ didnt want to admit that getting Raysoft from Boston for Rask(who is going to be an elite N.H.L. goaltender in years to come)was a huge mistake.But then Junior got the heave-ho and Fletcher hasnt done anything in regards to this situation.So I’m thinking Androol must be a wonderful teammate who gives the best oiled body massages on earth!I know he sucks but well..maybe he REALLY does suck???!!!!
March 23rd, 2008 at 5:40 pm
basically because no one would take him plain and simple. would you want raycoft on your team?
March 27th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Exactly what “Fraser” said, the reason he is still on the leafs because there is absolutely no market for goaltenders and absolutely no market for Raycroft. If Anaheim gave Bryzgalov away for free.. what exactly is Toronto going to get for Raycroft?
May 7th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Raycroft is absolutely the worst goalie the Toronto Maple Leafs have ever had on their team. My fan such as myself have not watched any Leaf games where Raycroft is playing. I’ve seen a fan ask for his money back at Air Canada Center before Raycroft was playing. I’m a goalie myself and I know it’s not an easy position, but when you suck such as Raycroft…….you truly suck. I feel Raycroft should quit the team as many of his team mates play worst when he’s in net as they have to play too defensive. Raycroft, please leave the MAPLE LEAFS.
May 7th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Raycroft is absolutely the worst goalie the Toronto Maple Leafs have ever had on their team. Many fans such as myself have not watched any Leaf games where Raycroft is playing becuase they will loose that game. I’ve seen a fan ask for his money back at Air Canada Center before Raycroft was playing. I’m a goalie myself and I know it’s not an easy position, but when you suck such as Raycroft…….you truly suck. I feel Raycroft should quit the team as many of his team mates play worst when he’s in net as they have to play too defensive. Raycroft, please leave the MAPLE LEAFS.