Canes Sign Manny Legace To Fill Goalie Void

by Cory Lavalette on Nov 9, 2009 9:48 AM EST

The Carolina Hurricanes, reeling from a 12-game losing streak and injuries to their franchise cornerstones, signed veteran goaltender Manny Legace to a two-way contract today, two days after Cam Ward was lost for at least three to four weeks with a cut to his left leg. The one-year deal will pay him $500,000 at the NHL level and $105,000 in the AHL.

Legace is perhaps best-known for the five seasons he played in Detroit, which included a 37-win season in 2005-06. He also played for Los Angeles and, most recently, St. Louis, and has spent this season with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL. But what many don't remember is Legace was an eighth-round selection of the Hartford Whalers in the 1993 draft.

The 36-year-old is 75th in all-time NHL wins with 177, the most by any goalie with less than 350 games played. To add some perspective, his 92 regulation losses are tied for 154th all time. He has a career goals-against average of just 2.38 and a save percentage of .912, plus 23 shutouts (tied for 73rd all time).

While Legace struggled last season in St. Louis (13-9-2, 3.18 GAA, .885 S%) and was eventually demoted to Peoria, he provides a veteran presence in net and won a Stanley Cup with the Red Wings in 2002 as the team's backup.

He will practice with the team today at the RBC Center.

More to come later.

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Comments

Good move

Didn’t have to give up anything, didn’t have to pay a lot, and got a guy who was an all-star in 2007-08.

5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!

by C-Leaguer on Nov 9, 2009 9:51 AM EST reply actions

How did he go from being an all-star in 07-08 to Peora in 08-09???

by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 9, 2009 10:29 AM EST up reply actions

….

by 911junkie on Nov 9, 2009 9:58 AM EST reply actions

Outstanding move. We get this guy for the minimum and can waive him and dump him down to Albany (he won’t play there though) when Ward is healthy for pennies. The last thing we needed to do was throw Peters to the fire here and Murphy to the fire in Albany.

-Jonathan Hawkins
HF Boards Canes Forum

by DaleCooper on Nov 9, 2009 10:00 AM EST reply actions

Hey, who knows, if he catches fire before Ward gets back maybe the Canes could even get a late round pick out of him at the deadline. Tough considering the Islanders goalie platoon, but still an outside shot. You got to find silver linings somewhere.

5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!

by C-Leaguer on Nov 9, 2009 10:02 AM EST up reply actions

And he didn’t hurt our age average…

For a storm to suck this hard, it must be a black hole

by Paladin6 on Nov 9, 2009 10:01 AM EST reply actions

LOL…. No he did not…

but he will be alright…. if you look at his career stats… the man is a winner.

And you know how the Hurricanes have that one-season magic for guys who are struggling to get their career on track…. he’s likely to win the Vesna (or whatever it is that goaltenders get for being awesome)

by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 9, 2009 10:32 AM EST up reply actions

honestly, i know im always positive.
but i dont like this.
this doesnt create any urgency, its just another ok goalie.
so if you play the same way with this ok goalie. do we get better?

by chrisj on Nov 9, 2009 10:05 AM EST reply actions

I agree, it’s like we could get worse, we already have allowed the most, THE MOST goals in the league. Maybe stick KK in there and get her some more fame and exposure?

For a storm to suck this hard, it must be a black hole

by Paladin6 on Nov 9, 2009 10:07 AM EST up reply actions

Actually I think cap wise we came out ahead. I think we get a break on Cam cap hit due to long term injury and Lagace is probably less…

Cory, anybody?

For a storm to suck this hard, it must be a black hole

by Paladin6 on Nov 9, 2009 10:08 AM EST up reply actions

Cap wise yes, but what’s more important is the actual money. It all depends on Ward being insured or not. I recall there being a discussion about all that when Williams had his last injury, and JR said that there are only a handful of guys that they insure. I would hope that Ward is one of those being such a high paid player. If he is then this is a good thing for PK’s pockets.

-Jonathan Hawkins
HF Boards Canes Forum

by DaleCooper on Nov 9, 2009 10:39 AM EST up reply actions

Staal and Ward are insured on the contracts they recently signed. I don’t know if Ward is insured on his current contract.

5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!

by C-Leaguer on Nov 9, 2009 5:37 PM EST up reply actions

What’s the alternative ? We’re not gonna trade for a #1. Cam will return.
It’s Leighton’s turn to show what he’s got.
We’re not going to the playoffs. That dream is over.

by drifterscape on Nov 9, 2009 10:15 AM EST up reply actions

Who knows maybe Legace becomes #1 goalie and when Cam comes back he can fight for backup against Leights. Its not like Ward has been a brick wall this season (with no help from D either), plus it may take Cam some time to get back to form depending on injury.

While were talking trades and all how about trade A.Ward and Yelle for a bag of pucks and bring up the young guns. Thanks.

by canescup on Nov 9, 2009 10:22 AM EST via mobile reply actions

I love you, man!!!

For a storm to suck this hard, it must be a black hole

by Paladin6 on Nov 9, 2009 10:58 AM EST up reply actions

the two of you have issues

by jenniwa30 on Nov 9, 2009 6:05 PM EST up reply actions

I thought he looked good in pre season with ATL.

by McCorkle on Nov 9, 2009 10:23 AM EST reply actions

He played a particularly good game against us one night.

I’m sure that didn’t hurt his chances.

All joking aside about how Manny Legace is french canadian for “nail in coffin” this is a good move IMO.

by Iggy Reilly on Nov 9, 2009 10:51 AM EST up reply actions

Manny's stats

are here.

by Elsker on Nov 9, 2009 10:37 AM EST reply actions

Note who drafted him, although that was before JR’s time (Holmgrem).

That was also the year they drafted Chris Pronger.

by Elsker on Nov 9, 2009 10:40 AM EST up reply actions

Obviously we’re hoping for the Detroit years version moreso than the St. Louis years.

Although there’s a big difference between having the likes of Nicklas Lidstrom in front of you versus “who did we draft last year?”.

Hopefully, we offer him something in between for D-man talent level (if they ever start playing to potential, that is).

by Elsker on Nov 9, 2009 10:52 AM EST up reply actions

although all are winning years.

even his worst year is pretty good.

by chrisj on Nov 9, 2009 10:55 AM EST up reply actions

Twitter people

Could someone list the Caniacs who Twitter from practice? I’m following two but I know I’m missing some. Thanks!

by JCLowe on Nov 9, 2009 10:56 AM EST reply actions

lgc_com (that’s lgc as in lets go canes)
ice_chip
NCCaniac42

the first 2 are at it now.

So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 9, 2009 11:07 AM EST up reply actions

highlights thus far

ice_chip New goaltender on the ice at the RBC Center with Tom Barrasso.
25 minutes ago from web (at 10:45am – so this was known yesterday)

ice_chip Ray Whitney back at practice today.
12 minutes ago from web

ice_chip Rod Brind’Amour, the captain, just gave Legace a big tap on the top of the helmet before the skating began.

lgc_com Wow I forgot how small Legace is. He is out in this bright white mask and pads and the white makes him look even smaller. Drills rt now.

So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 9, 2009 11:09 AM EST up reply actions

everything from ice_chip is on the front page of Canes Country, left column under “Carolina Tweets” , by the way.

Peter Karmanos is there. Highly unusual. Think he checking on his investments? Does this mean someone’s headed out the door? Is he there to support his NHL family?

So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 9, 2009 11:15 AM EST up reply actions

Thank you!

by JCLowe on Nov 9, 2009 11:20 AM EST up reply actions

Pitkanen is out. (no explanation). Sutter centering Brindy and Rosey; Cullen w/Whitney and Cole.

PK is on the bench, not up in the seats with the media. Apparently this is really unprecedented.

So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 9, 2009 11:23 AM EST up reply actions

Wow. I’ve seen PK at practices, but always sitting in the west stands with management/scouts/press.

Never on the bench.

Is this the intervention that was speculated (admittedly by me) might be needed?

If so, give ‘em hell, PK. I’m not sure what I would say if I was the one dropping $50 million on that locker room this year.

by Elsker on Nov 9, 2009 11:52 AM EST up reply actions

They better hope he ain’t packin’ heat!!!

For a storm to suck this hard, it must be a black hole

by Paladin6 on Nov 9, 2009 11:56 AM EST up reply actions

justifiable homicide.

by drifterscape on Nov 9, 2009 12:25 PM EST up reply actions

Here’s how lgc_com described it at about 11:15 (and not what I’d expect):

lgc_com PK just caalled the coach over. hehe
But they r laughing cause apparently this all so funny.
41 minutes ago from mobile web

So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 9, 2009 11:58 AM EST up reply actions

For the record I just do the pictures, not the commentary.

Sisu

by Jamie Kellner on Nov 9, 2009 2:26 PM EST up reply actions

Of course. Didn’t mean to imbue your photo with anything untoward. But the photo did dovetail nicely with the comment from earlier.

So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 9, 2009 9:49 PM EST up reply actions

No worries, and I didn’t take your comment that way at all… just throwing that out there for general knowledge.

Sisu

by Jamie Kellner on Nov 10, 2009 2:12 PM EST up reply actions

How many more moves should we expect this week?

Still not a crook!

by TrickyD26 on Nov 9, 2009 10:56 AM EST reply actions

GM’s are meeting (tomorrow?) in conjunction with the HOF ceremonies tonight, so lots of face-to-face meetings are possible.

However, as JR says over and over, these things take time, especially in a salary cap world. Takes two to tango, and many orgs are just not ready yet to talk.

Reservations for the trade deadline, however, would be accepted, no doubt.

by Elsker on Nov 9, 2009 11:02 AM EST up reply actions

If Boychuck is down, none. If he isn’t hang on to your hats.

For a storm to suck this hard, it must be a black hole

by Paladin6 on Nov 9, 2009 11:00 AM EST reply actions

after looking at the stats, im seem to feel much better about this signing.
but who knows.
we have to win sooner or later.

by chrisj on Nov 9, 2009 11:04 AM EST reply actions

Ward was never the problem for this team. Unfortunatley his injury is the focus of JR's attention,

Ward was one of the bright spots for this team and I personally never thought was the problem of our losses. The team as a whole with players who don’t step up and play to their potential is the problem. Having a replacement for his injury is needed, but it’s not going to fix the offense and defensive problems we are going to continue to have. They will continue to leave our goalie who ever it is out to dry. If JR continues to wait and see what happens with our offensive and defensive problems every game, then we are doomed. Of course we may already be doomed and are in denial.

by c59 on Nov 9, 2009 12:24 PM EST reply actions

This word “denial” keeps re-appearing in the comments the last week. That is the $55mil question, isn’t it?

So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 9, 2009 12:54 PM EST up reply actions

Not sure what you mean by doomed.
But we’re not going to the playoffs. Do the math to get to 94 points. Ain’t happening.

by drifterscape on Nov 9, 2009 12:30 PM EST reply actions

Cam is out of the hospital

lgc_com RT @aportzline CAR G Cam Ward has been discharged from Riverside Methodist hospital

via lgc RT from the Columbus Dispatch hockey beat reporter

Now – are they putting him on a plane or hiring a limo/ambulance to bring him back home?

And if he’s on a flight – how do we figure out if it’s charter and we greet him at the airport?

So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 9, 2009 12:49 PM EST reply actions

I highly doubt that man is flying commercial. Especially if they are concerned about infection or keeping him still.

by caniacgirl on Nov 9, 2009 12:52 PM EST up reply actions

Who knows how to figure out the charter flights from Columbus to RDU then?

So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 9, 2009 12:53 PM EST up reply actions

I am working on it. :)

by caniacgirl on Nov 9, 2009 12:55 PM EST up reply actions

via TwitPic from Canes Twitter feed

caption: New Canes goalie Manny Legace meets the media after practice. (Can you say Media scrum?)

So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 9, 2009 12:52 PM EST reply actions

Beat you to it on the other thread HM. ;)

BTW, I just signed up for twitter and am completely lost as to what I need to do. LOL

by caniacgirl on Nov 9, 2009 12:54 PM EST up reply actions

You need to “find people” , search for the accounts below and click on “follow” for each of them
ice_chip
CanesCountry
nhl_canes
lgc_com

You can see who they’re following and click around a bit and build your own list.

So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 9, 2009 12:57 PM EST up reply actions

Thank you. I guess this really shouldn’t be that hard for me, but I am not what you would call tech savvy. LOL

by caniacgirl on Nov 9, 2009 1:00 PM EST up reply actions

So just out of curiosity, how does it work that we can just sign someone out of the AHL? Was he not under some kind of contract for the Wolves?

by hip_check on Nov 9, 2009 6:31 PM EST reply actions

Maybe he had a “ways out” clause if anyone from the NHL came knocking.

Seems reasonable to do so if you think it could happen.

by Elsker on Nov 9, 2009 6:38 PM EST up reply actions

Check out the interview on 99.9 from this afternoon. Apparently he never signed a contract this fall, and stayed there on a “try-out” basis, actually hoping someone would need a goalie after the season started. Isn’t that a remarkably fortuitous decision?

So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 9, 2009 6:45 PM EST up reply actions

Had just listened to that interview (admittedly while multi-tasking like a madman) and missed that fact entirely.

Thanks for the clarification. Was wondering about his contract situation with the Wolves myself.

by Elsker on Nov 9, 2009 6:47 PM EST up reply actions

Wow, definitely!

by hip_check on Nov 9, 2009 6:49 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah … he was on a 25-game tryout deal. Chris Chelios is doing the same thing there. Kind of a purgatory for guys hoping to make it back to the NHL. btw, Chelios has seven points (1-6-7) in seven games with the Wolves.

CanesCountry.com: An Eye On Carolina Hockey

by Cory Lavalette on Nov 9, 2009 8:14 PM EST up reply actions

This is incredibly awesome

seeing how I’m a HUGE fan of his. I’ll be coming around here to cheer him on when he plays.

Hope you guys are cool with that.

"It’s a brand new day
And the sun is high
All the birds are singing
That you’re gonna die" ~ Dr. Horrible

by Carnie on Nov 9, 2009 9:43 PM EST reply actions

The good part is if he plays well until Cam returns, we might be able to get something for him. He is signed cheap and might be a valuable asset to a team in cap trouble.

by PackPride17 on Nov 9, 2009 10:38 PM EST via mobile reply actions