Veteran Goalie Peter Budaj Working to Make Comeback -NHL Update
Veteran National Hockey League (NHL) goalie Peter Budaj may be out of work, but he certainly has not given up on working towards getting another shot at playing in the major league as the 30-year-old is reportedly training with the Colorado Avalanche during the lockout.
Budaj’s last stint in the NHL was with the Montreal Canadiens as he appeared in 17 games with them and had just five wins and no playoffs run after joining them for a single hockey year following six straight seasons with the Colorado Avalanche.
“I was hoping for more games, but how much you play doesn’t change anything about your work ethic. You’ve got to support your team the best you can,” Budaj said according to the Montreal Gazette.
“There were longs stretches I didn’t play and anyone who’s played can tell you that you can practise as hard as you want but it’s very different than being in games. Practising was the only thing I was able to control, being ready whenever I was called upon.”
Keeping in mind the professional attitude that is required from any hockey player, whether playing or out of work, Budaj continues to work hard to make his position on the Avalanche team and may become an integral part of the club when the lockout comes to an end, whenever it does.
Budaj was drafted as the 63rd overall by the Colorado Avalanche during round-two of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft and has played in 259 games up until now with a overall save percentage of .902 and 2.81 goals-against average.
At one point in his career, Budaj was a crucial member of the Colorado squad as he put up a career high .917 save percentage and 2.64 goals-against average during the 2009-2010 regular season and saw two playoffs with them as well.
For now, there is no surety that Budaj will be playing for Colorado, a team which plans on having a big season next time around.
“That’s totally up to the staff upstairs and the coach, it’s out of my control,” Budaj added.
It should be interesting to see if the veteran goalie will be able to work some magic and impress the Colorado management into keeping him on the ice.
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