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Stars Lose Standout AHL Goaltender to Devils on Waivers After Strong Preseason
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- Stars Lose Standout AHL Goaltender to Devils on Waivers After Strong Preseason
The Dallas Stars took a gamble Sunday, and it may come back to haunt them after placing standout AHL goaltender Remi Poirier on waivers despite a strong preseason. The 24-year-old was unable to pry the backup job away from Casey DeSmith, and the New Jersey Devils promptly claimed him.
The loss stings for Dallas as they likely hoped Poirier would develop into the long-term backup option behind Jake Oettinger. A consistent standout at the AHL level, Poirier leaves the organization after helping carry the AHL's Texas Stars with a 27-19-8 record, a 2.61 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage across a busy 52 starts.
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His numbers have improved steadily over the last two seasons, and with DeSmith entering the final year of his current contract, Poirier was in position to push for the backup role this season or next.
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He made a strong case in the preseason as Poirier and DeSmith each started two games with a battle for the backup role being fully underway. Poirier finished his two starts with 35 saves on 36 shots, including a shutout win over the Minnesota Wild while DeSmith stopped 56 of 58 shots with just two goals against over his starts. Despite that showing, Poirier was placed on waivers and is now headed to New Jersey.
The Devils could offer a real opportunity for Poirier as they currently lack a clear-cut number one goaltender, with 36-year-old Jake Allen and unproven 25-year-old Nico Daws atop the depth chart. If Poirier plays well, he could earn his first real NHL oppurtunity.
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That possibility could leave Dallas with regrets cause if DeSmith struggles and departs at the end of the season while Poirier thrives elsewhere, the Stars will have given up a netminder who could have filled the backup role for years. The move may look minor now, but it could carry real consequences in the seasons ahead.
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