Quote:
Originally Posted by Fire in the disco
Admittedly I haven't followed his progression, or lack there of BUT I'm surprised McDonald has fallen so far from grace. From WJC Team Canada goalie to the bottom of our prospect rankings.
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I like MacDonald as a prospect. Good size, awesome athleticism - he has a lot of really good things working out for him.
I can't speak for everyone, but his consistency is what brings him far down for me at this point. He just hasn't been able to do really well consistently. He makes out of this world saves, but then lets in an easy stinker... and then often another.
I hope the Flames give him time and end up re-signing him somehow. I think if he is going to make it, it is just going to be a much longer-term plan for him. I have Schneider ahead of him as well right now, and Mason firmly in the last spot.
Kipper, Vernon, Brathwaite - these have been historically the Flames most consistent goalies. Elliott, Kidd, Hiller, etc., etc., etc., were all relatively proven goalies in their careers, but always had some level of problem with consistency. To me, that is what separates an elite goalie from a backup. Mason has been too inconsistent for me up until this point to even have me project him as a backup.
Once again, I am not saying he doesn't have NHL potential, and I am a big fan of a lot of his tools (and I love goalies who are really athletic - I really like Brossoit for that exact thing), but he has to find a way to just become more consistent. That is the key with me and goalies. A long term, patient plan with him might work out. I just see other goalies passing him at this time.