Source: “Garon will push Fleury for playing time”

LA Kings 2005/2006: 31–26–3 (3.22 GAA)

LA Kings 2006/2007: 13-10-6 (2.66 GAA)

EDM 2007/2008: 26-18-1 (2.66 GAA)

EDM 2008/2009: 6-8-0 (3.17 GAA)

From a Source in Edmonton: “Mathieu Garon is an excellent pick up for the Penguins. He was clearly not a favorite of coach Craig MacTavish, who always had much more time and patience for Dwayne Roloson, who took the Oilers to the Cup final in 2006.”

“But Garon clearly outplayed Roloson by a long shot last season. Garon started strongly this year, but had a few bad games, and MacTavish quickly went back to his old standby Roloson.”

“Garon is a free agent after this season, but might be had for a relatively small amount, and might be a top goalie for an NHL team in the next five years.”

“He is excellent at stopping the first shot, His rebound control is a strength,

Not a great puck-handler. Can be beaten up high, if he’s out of sync, and going into his butterfly pose to early.”

“When he’s hot — and he was often hot last season — he was as strong as any goalie in the NHL.”

“Me, I really thought MacTavish botched his handling of Garon this year. Based on his consistently strong play of last season, I believe the guy is a strong starting goalie, and the Penguins are going to be very happy with this acquisition.”

This is coming from a source I talk to from time to time who covers the Oilers on a daily basis.

Will Garon push Fleury for playing time?: The Penguins have not been happy with Fleury’s performance this season and it really seems like this deal was possible because of a rift going on between MacTavish and Garon. From everybody I’ve talked to, the Penguins front office feels Garon will challenge Fleury for some playing time and if Garon is outperforming Fleury, he will play. The Penguins are in the midst of a playoff race and which ever goaltender is performing better, will play. The Penguins didn’t really have that option with Sabourin and based on the feedback I got from people who cover the Oilers for a living, I feel more comfortable with this trade than I did when it was announced.

Also there is speculation that Dany Sabourin has been told not to report to Edmonton and the Oilers are seeking a trade for him.

more to come