Cory Schneider: Time for the boy to be a man
He's proven his worth and ready for next challenge
By Ben Kuzma, The Province
July 3, 2009
Been there, done that.
Cory Schneider admits he didn't have a December to remember in a relief role with the Vancouver Canucks. The AHL's premier goaltender will also admit he has nothing left to accomplish at the minor-league level after backstopping the Manitoba Moose to the Calder Cup final.
"I feel I've proved myself at the American League level and done everything I can over the past few years and obviously the next progression is to challenge yourself at the next level," Schneider, 23, said Thursday. "That extra year really helped and the playoff push was important for me to go through that experience. It's time to make that next step."
Which, of course, brings up a crease conundrum.
With workhorse starter Roberto Luongo about to sign a long-term contract extension -- and free-agent backup Jason LaBarbera accepting a two-year deal in Phoenix -- the Canucks need to promote Schneider to increase his trade value. However, that leaves the franchise short of stoppers on the farm. Curtis Sanford, who cleared waivers in January before going 7-3-3 as a Moose backup, is shopping his services elsewhere. So, aside from finding a combination of keepers that works in Manitoba, the challenge is convincing Luongo that the franchise's best trade asset requires proper playing time.
Schneider needs 12 to 15 starts to solidify his NHL worth. He needs to show that his 2-4-1 record, bloated 3.38 goals-against average and .877 saves percentage when Luongo was injured was part of the teething process and not a career crusher. On Dec. 23 at San Jose, Schneider looked shell-shocked in allowing five goals on 15 shots in just 21 minutes. But when he returned to the minors, Schneider's 28-10-1 mark, 2.04 GAA and .928 saves percentage spoke of a solid structure in his game -- both physically and mentally. And when he went 14-7 in the postseason with a 2.15 GAA and .922 saves percentage, his ticket to the NHL was punched.
"It's all about feeling like you belong because I had a tough time really going in and feeling comfortable up there in my stint," added Schneider, who'll be a restricted free agent following the 2009-10 season. "I did some good and bad things and with what I accomplished in Manitoba, I'm more ready and comfortable to make that next step."
Schneider is also prepared for being moved this summer in a trade or given just enough time in the NHL to hone his craft before being packaged. Regardless, he won't be distracted by being fodder for fantasy trade scenarios on the talk-show circuit.
"I've been dealing with it ever since the Canucks traded for Louie," said Schneider. "He's the premier goalie in the league and you're going to do everything you can to keep him. That's not lost on me. For the past couple of years, I've seen this coming to kind of a crossroads and eventually it would be that he would stay or go and they would be forced to make a decision with me.
"I'm over that. I've been through it a lot at the [trade] deadline and the draft."
As for LaBarbera, a two-year deal is more security than playing ahead of Ilya Bryzgalov, who had 65 starts last season. However, Coyotes GM Don Maloney was in Rangers management when LaBarbera played in the New York system.
"The contract was a big factor, but it was not an easy decision," said LaBarbera, who was 3-2-2 as Luongo's backup with a 2.66 GAA and .918 saves percentage. "Vancouver was such a special place for me, but you really don't want to sell yourself short and being considered a backup. I still feel I have a lot to give and can challenge for being a No. 1 goalie in the league.
"Playing behind Roberto, that would have been tough to do."
bkuzma@theprovince.com
© Copyright (c) The Province