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Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe
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.
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I agree with everything you have said. The things i would add is that Taylor out played Irving in the final part of the season. It might have had to due with the birth of his new baby and going back and fourth from AHL to NHL.
The concerning part is where do the flames really see Irving? Feaster said he was very close to having Ramo as the backup for this season. Irving would not have been playing in North America this season unless he was traded. I don't think the flames could have gotten anything better than a 3rd for Irving if that's the case. More than likely Irving would have been in Europe if Ramo did come over.
Irving will get his chance with the Heat this season. Brust is not even the real backup right now. The only reason he is on the bench is because Irving has a max of 50 games he can suite up for.