Cristobal Huet unable to make NHL comeback, signs on with Swiss Club to 4-year deal
Without a doubt, former National Hockey League (NHL) goalie, Cristobal Huet is confident in himself being much better than a number of goalies around the league currently. While teams may not have a problem accepting that, the fact that they will need to
sign him on to a brand new deal with another goaltender in place seems to be the issue.
What most NHL teams’ desire is either a top class goalie that will provide them with an instant difference in performance or instead, choose to go with what they have and hope for a turnaround next time around.
Failing to get a hockey contract in the NHL after he finished off his major league career in the NHL following a loss of the starting spot with Chicago Blackhawks to, 2010 Stanley Cup winning goalie, Antti Niemi.
For Chicago, Niemi turned out to be a better choice than anyone could have imagined as he actually got them to where every NHL team hopes and dreams of being at one point.
The 36-year-old goaltender signed on to a four-deal with his Swedish hockey club, Fribourg-Gotteron.
"We are very pleased to welcome Cristobal in Lausanne. His professionalism, work ethic and natural leadership are all assets and examples in the locker room," stated Jan Alston, Sports Director of the Lausanne Hockey Club.
Huet, a former 214th overall draft pick during round-seven of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft by Los Angeles Kings was reportedly in talks with Buffalo Sabres to get a deal done before the next season begins. Some in Canada are even terming the reason
he decided not to join is a potential lockout scare.
The veteran goalie’s best season was back in 2007-2008 with Washington Capitals as he put up a .936 save percentage and 1.63 goals-against average after being traded by Montreal Canadiens later that year.
His last was with Chicago Blackhawks back in 2009-2010 as he played in 48 games, put up a below average .895 save percentage and 2.50 goals-against average..
The next four years and probably the final of his career will now be in Sweden instead of the NHL.
Tags: