[FAN]

So it sounds like that Kipper is leaning towards retirement but he is open to coming back. My question is, do you want Kipper back next year? I'm talking about bringing him back for the full year and not to move him at the deadline.

Personally, I want Feaster to try hard to convince Kipper to come back with the guarantee that he can retire as a Flame if he wants, or moved to a contender if he wants a chance to win. I know Feaster has made some moves to protect the team in case Kipper retires, but that insurance comes in the form of Ramo, Berra, and MacDonald. Why not bring Kipper back and let Ramo, Berra, and MacDonald battle it out for the backup spot? Joey MacDonald is at best a career backup goalie in the NHL so I'm not concerned about the fact the team just extended him. He can be traded or put on waivers it doesn't matter. Someone will pick him up. Ramo and Berra have potential, but they are unproven and Berra probably could use some AHL seasoning to get used to the North American game and if Ramo can't outperform MacDonald his #1 goalie potential would likely be limited anyways. On the other hand, the team would have an insurance policy in Kipper and he'll bring stability and locker room leadership to what will likely be a very young team next year.

I am of the opinion that having capable veteran goalie helps a young team that is in transition. Young players are going to make mistakes and those mistakes will be amplified if they are playing in front of a shaky goaltender. Kipper will give the young guys the confidence to make mistakes knowing that they have Kipper back there. And of course, Kipper can either pass the torch over to Ramo or Berra or provide insurance in case those two fail in their audition for the Flames' #1 job. Of course, bringing Kipper back is based on the assumption that Feaster won't be acquiring a long-term #1 goalie solution and plan on going with Ramo, Berra, and MacDonald.