Really Under the Radar: Wade Flaherty

Former Islander back up goalie Wade Flaherty signed a deal with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 27. FIW sees this as an insurance signing making Flaherty the third string in case of injury to either underwhelming Khabibulin or overpaid Lalime. No terms were found. Flaherty has not played in the NHL since the 2002-03 season but is a 120 game veteran. A career 3.51 goals against average, Wade was 27-56-9 with 5 shutouts between 1991 and 2003. He provides solid goaltending ability for Chicago's AHL affiliate Wolves. As an AHLer, Flaherty has a much more solid 2.48 gaa and is 125-83-25 on his career with 19 shutouts in 252 games. Flaherty played parts of 4 seasons between 1997 and 2001 with the Isles seeing 60 games of action in that time while compiling a 15-26-5 record with 4 shutouts. Though it is doubtful that Flaherty will see any pro time with the Blackhawks, he has also seen tours of duty with the Sharks, Lightning, Panthers and Predators.