Quote:
Originally Posted by Flames Fan, Ph.D.
My only request for the goaltending situation: do not re-sign MacDonald.
I've nothing against they guy, but we're rebuilding and we know he's not part of the long term solution. So we should just take our lumps and test out the other goalies. The organization gains nothing by giving him games.
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Sorry, can't agree with this. That means to start next year we would have a total of 50 games of NHL experience in net. You bring MacDonald back if only for the reason of having a guy who is NHL tested and experienced. He's played pretty well for us, and having him on a one or two year deal would give appropriate development time to Berra (North American style), Brossoit (Pro hockey), and it wouldn't rush guys who aren't ready to play (Gillies, Ortio).
Ramo has done well in the KHL, but that doesn't necessarily translate to the NHL (see: Cervenka). We need a backup plan in case that doesn't work. I don't want to trade for a Bernier etc. because having a good goaltender on a bad team doesn't do anything for development of the goaltender, but rather destroys their confidence to be a starter in the NHL (see: Steve Mason).
Nope, it's actually a good thing to have some older guys that have played pro in other leagues for a few years play on a team with an unknown direction and core talent group. It's unfortunate, but they are fairly disposable until we have something to build around. I like Sven, but I'm not sure he's a franchise player.