Budaj, a former second round pick (63rd overall) of the Colorado Avalanche in the 2001 NHL Draft, has gone on two separate five-game win streaks for the Kings this season (the Lightning have had just one win streak of five games from a goaltender this season, Bishop racking up five in a row from Feb. 4-21). Budaj's 2.12 goals-against average ranks third in the NHL.
The Bolts are clearly getting a proven starter to both backup and challenge Vasilevskiy.
"In this league, you just can't role with one guy. You need two," Cooper said. "And Steve did a good job in getting Budaj as a return for Bish because it gives you a stable, veteran backup who has played a starter's role, and that's what he's done this year. And to have two guys that we're comfortable putting in the net and free up stuff on the business side as Steve (Yzerman) explained, it's kind of a win for us. We're excited to have (Budaj). He's played with some great partners. He played with Carey Price. He's played with Jonathan Quick. He's a proven goaltender in this league, and we're glad to have him."
Budaj, too, is glad to be in Tampa Bay with a team fighting to makes its way into the playoffs for the fourth-consecutive season.
"I'm excited," he said. "This is a great organization. I've heard only great things. The last two years they've been all the way on top almost. It's great to be here. It's an organization that likes to win and it's great to be a part of."