Much maligned goaltender Dan Cloutier, out of hockey and coaching in the CHL last season and who played just nine games in 2007-08, will attempt a comeback with the Detroit Red Wings. According to MLive.com Cloutier contacted the Red Wings and asked for the chance to tryout.
Dan Cloutier to Attempt Comeback With Red Wings
James Mirtle of From The Rink has this to say about Cloutier, who has struggled mightily to recover from a serious knee injury in 2004.
He was always one of the harder working goalies in the league, a real competitor who, in his prime, probably would have made an ideal backup on a top team. Yes, he faltered in high-profile playoff games and that will be his legacy, but he did play some good hockey in his career.
In my opinion, injuries have had much more to do with his tumble out of the league than a lack of talent.
Cloutier was a first-round draft pick by the New York Rangers in 1994, his best season came while playing with Vancouver from 2000 to 2004, posting three straight 30-win seasons and leading the Canucks to the playoffs. He is best remembered however, for allowing a shot by Nicklas Lidstrom from center ice to score during the 2002 playoffs.
With Chris Osgood and Jimmy Howard entrenched as the two goaltenders for the season, it's doubtful that Cloutier can secure a roster spot out of training camp.
Since being injured during the 2004 playoffs, Cloutier has played in just 46 NHL games.
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