Quote:
Originally Posted by Pierre "Monster" McGuire
Your absolutely right regarding his positioning and being a first stop goalie, but that's not to say he gives up for 2nd and 3rd saves as well. I don't know how Jonas Hiller plays so I can't compare Irving to him, but he is one of the best goalies I've seen positionally. He has great puck handling skills as well. I've rarely seen him get in the way of a defenseman chasing the same puck.
As for his upside: I see him as being a lot like James Reimer. Exactly the same age, a little lighter and shorter. The kicker is, Irving has had numbers in the AHL than Reimer. Whether that translates as well to the NHL, I don't know. It's just really too bad they signed Karlsson for two years because I have a feeling we're going to lose Irving.
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Kipper's NMC expires this season and he could be moved. I also don't think they will hesitate in putting Karlson in the AHL if they feel Irving is the better goalie.
Irving could go play in Europe, but I think he would rather remain in the NHL and the Flames still have his rights.
If Irving continues to play well I would be surprised not to see him in a Flames jersey next season. If Karlson continues to play poorly it could be as early as this season.