Quote:
Originally Posted by PepsiFree
Out of curiosity... by who?
I haven't seen anything within the last couple years that suggests anyone outside of the Flames organization is overly hopeful or impressed by his development since he was drafted.
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He makes this list of top goalie prospects from 2016 (number 15; Gillies is 10)
http://ingoalmag.com/features/top-50...-season/ttp://
He was highly-regarded when he was drafted, though acknowledged as a very long-term project. I wouldn't say anything has changed that. He hasn't made huge strides but he's had a winning record since turning pro and by many accounts he's been solid but unspectacular for the Thunder. The kid is still a blue chip goalie prospect, even though he could be another few years from suiting up for the Flames. You can keep an eye on his progress (or lack there of) here:
http://www.dobberprospects.com/mason-mcdonald/
My guess would be McDonald gets at least another year in the ECHL (if the Flames' new deal with an affiliate will allow them to assign him there). You would want him to post a save percentage above .9 one of these years, but stats aren't everything with a prospect like him. His work ethic has been applauded but the development coaches are trying to get him to work on his technique, as you would expect. He has a lot to work on but still has potential.
Does that leave Gillies and Rittich to duke it out for the backup spot for the Flames? Would the organisation have enough confidence in either of them to give them that opportunity? If not then I fear one or more of these goalie prospects may be cut loose. Who knows, maybe Parsons is the next Tom Barrasso and takes the bull by the horns for an NHL job. He seems hyped-up enough...
NHL:
Elliott (re-signed)
Gillies/Rittich
AHL:
Gillies/Rittich
Parsons
ECHL:
McDonald
Schneider/McCollum