Quote:
Originally Posted by Locke
Haha! On what?
Damn, if we'd signed Bryzgalov we'd have........made the playoffs? Won the cup? Gained insight on existentialism??
The Flames are rebuilding, buying rental goaltenders is not the name of the game.
Ultimately I think it was all-risk/no-reward. Completely stupid.
Do you think Bryzgalov will re-sign with the Oilers next season? Long term?
Probably not.
In exchange, the Flames acquired and, consequently the Oilers lost, Ladislav Smid, arguably their steadiest defenceman.
What is the Endgame? Whats the goal?
The Flames are starting a rebuild and need steadying and experienced guys. Check.
Signed for a few years? Check.
The Oilers are contending for a playoff spot, or at least should be. Check?
This season is basically a write-off, will Bryzgalov help them this year? No.
Next year? No.
Will Smid help the Oilers this year? No.
Next year? No.
Will Broissoit help the Oilers in the next 2-3 years? No.
Will Horak help the Oilers in the Next 2-3 years? Maybe, but not enough.
So what was the point? If the Oilers' endgame is to make the playoffs they have in no way advanced their cause by this series of moves.
And I'll reiterate, the Oilers are no longer rebuilding. The 'rebuild' is over. They're up against the salary cap and dumping an asset to buy a UFA. Ergo, their goal must be to make the playoffs. ASAP.
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You kind of answered your own question. Oilers, while likely have dug themselves a hole they can't get out of, at the very least need to be competitive for a playoff spot this year. They absolutely will not with their goaltending situation. So they acquired someone who COULD give them the chance to do that.
I agree with everything else you said, having to give up Smid, terrible asset management IMO. But in isolation, spending what they spenton Bryz, given it's a short contract has the potential to pay off big. It likely won't, but the upside to Bryz his definetely high reward, even though I agree he likely won't pay off. But that's the definition of low risk / high reward.