Quote:
Originally Posted by HighLifeMan
The only reason Danny Taylor took over the starting role in Abbotsford was because Leland Irving was in the NHL. He did not outplay him over a significant stretch of time, and did not force ward's hand. IIRC Irving was leading the AHL in wins and games played before his first call up.
With that said it is only two games into the season, but if this trend were to continue we would be at serious risk of losing Irving after this season whether management has him in there plans or not.
Dating back to January 1st, 2012, Leland Irving has only started in 20 games. Say what you will but that is certainly not a positive sign for his development.
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That is correct - Taylor made the most of getting the starter's job while Irving was away. However, Irving came back, but Taylor still kept the starter's job. Ward wants to 'win', and regardless of who was playing at what time, I would assume Ward would put the best possible lineup in the playoffs. This makes me think that Taylor was at least equal to Irving as a starter, or Ward would have put Irving in during the playoffs.
I personally don't really think Irving is all that 'great' - based on the fact that since his time in the AHL, he has had a good season, followed by an inconsistent season (and inconsistent stretches) - though it may very well just be part of the development process that goalies go through. He just doesn't seem to be 'way better' than Taylor or Brust at the moment. Will he be better? Who knows. From watching him play on the Flames, I didn't think he was really that 'great' - he just looks a bit awkward or something in net as compared to most other goalies for some reason. He certainly wasn't bad - just 'awkward'.
Yes, those other goalies don't have NHL contracts like Irving does, but that really shouldn't matter. There is contract space right now (which I know the Flames want to keep open to try and sign some NCAA guys or just keep open for possible trades in the future), but a good goalie is a good goalie, and anyone can be signed where they see fit. If someone surpasses Irving CONSISTENTLY, then I would have no problem awarding him a contract, and cutting Irving the following season.
Competition is only healthy, and if Irving can't rise to the occasion at the AHL level after so many seasons and beat out everyone else, then he will definitely not rise to the occasion at the NHL level. I am 100% confident that if he is a future NHL starting goalie (or even a good backup), he will just 'take' his opportunity. If Ward feels he has a better chance to win with Brust, or Taylor, or whomever else in the future, then the Flames also have a better chance of winning by signing one of those goalies and making that goalie a backup.
Irving has been in the AHL developing, and has tasted what it is like to be in the NHL. Let's see if he actually matures and shows that he belongs in the NHL by at least beating out two other journeymen goalies in the AHL.
I think this is the season the Flames either throw him up on the team (if/when the lockout ends) or cut him next season completely - but I do think it is 100% up to Irving. Considering he is a 1st round draft choice, he will be awarded all the opportunities possible. He either makes the most of it, or that is it with him in the organization after this year. There is no way that Ward will not play Irving - how much he plays will end up being on how well Irving actually performs. There is just no way that the organization has 'cut' him yet - but Irving will need to show that he is a consistent goalie for a season + playoffs - something I don't think he has quite done as of yet.