Vanbiesbrouck Moves Across Town

March 12, 2001

After saying all season he wanted to stay on Long Island, John Vanbiesbrouck was traded this afternoon to the New Jersey Devils for back-up Chris Terreri and a 9th round draft pick. 

Despite having the rock solid Martin Brodeur in net, the Devils must have felt they were vulnerable in the event of an injury, and Vanbiesbrouck has proven his ability to carry a team in the playoffs in the past (Florida in 96). That said, don't rush to pick him up. He is unlikely to see much ice-time unless the unthinkable happens, and Brodeur  does get injured. And in that event, Johnny VB will need to show more of the form he demonstrated back in 96 with the Panthers, rather than the performances he showed up with as a member of the Flyers organization.

In Terreri, the Isle's get a proven back-up, who won't chaffe at that role. This move signals more than anything that the Islanders are ready to move Rick Dipietro into the starting goaltender position next season. Terreri also saves them about half a million dollars in salary - more money for Mike Milbury to go out and find some quality free agents with in the off-season. 

Neither Terreri nor Vanbiesbrouck will have much, if any, fantasy hockey impact, barring injury to Brodeur or Dipietro.