Manitoba Moose Goalie Development Coach, Drew MacIntrye speaks on possible backup goalie option, Scott Wedgewood.
The Winnipeg Jets are entering Monday on the search for a new backup netminder and we spoke to Manitoba Moose Goalie Development Coach, Drew MacIntrye on possible low-cost option Scott Wedgewood.
The 31-year-old Brampton native is coming off two great seasons with the Stars where he secured a 25-15-8 record, 2.80 goals against average and a .908 save percentage.
MacIntrye as a part of his duties as Goalie Development Coach, must help the team look over and scout free agent options that could work for the team.
He signalled to us late last week that the direction of the franchise would be to sign a free agent to fulfil the backup role.
A netminder we had mentioned to him was Wedgewood, who is playing the best hockey of his career.
“Being a effective and successful backup goalie in the NHL is very difficult but if you can show that you are reliable when called upon then you will be very valuable to any team which is exactly what Wedgewood has done,” MacIntyre said.
“It shows that he is very detailed, hard working with a great attitude as he has been able show these last few years.”
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncaLeg4dWwo[/embed]
Wedgewood spoke with Daily Faceoff last Thursday and indicated he will test free agency after extension talks haven’t gone the way he wanted.
“We’ve had our talks, and it hasn’t been in my favor,” he said “But we have a few days left here to see if there’s some work to be done.“
He went on to say he very much would like to stay in Dallas as the goal for him was to sign the two year deal then play his way into a long term deal. He loves living in the Lone Star State and goes on to say how devastating would be to leave.
“My wife loves it, we had our baby girl there, tons of family and some fans I feel like I’ve connected with. To leave would definitely be heartbreaking,” he said.
The Jets may be interested in Wedgewood and could offer him a longer term deal that he wants and use the organization’s expertise at the goalie position to keep him at peak form for hopefully two or three more years.
MacIntyre was impressed by Wedgewood’s previous season and may have his name among some of the team’s possible offseason targets.
“[Wedgewood] was able to play an increased role last year with the injury to Ottinger and he showed that he could give his team a chance to win each night,” MacIntyre said.