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tvp2003 · 06-16-2015, 05:08 PM

Prediction time: Who do you think will emerge within the next 1-3 years as the eventual #1 goalie (or at least 1a)?

Our two best prospects right now are Ortio and Gillies (McDonald is still 3+ years away IMO). Ortio is 24, had a solid season in the AHL, and performed very well in limited NHL action. He'll most likely play in Calgary next year since his one-way contract kicks in and he will no longer be waiver eligible. Meanwhile, Gillies is 21, and is coming off of an NCAA Championship at Providence where he was named MVP. After three very productive seasons in college, he'll be the likely starter in Stockton next year.

Ortio has a cool demeanor, good athleticism and plays a technically sound game. After watching Kipper for so many years, Turku Goaliebot 2.0 really fits. If he can show he can consistently play at the NHL level, we could conceivably have our guy before this season is over.

On the other hand, I think Gillies has slightly better upside, although he is younger and would benefit from a year or two of pro hockey experience under his belt. He has great size and has shown he's able to perform under pressure. Not merely a "blocker" like Hiller, he should transition well to the AHL and could be pushing to play in the NHL as early as 2016/17. At the very least he should be good enough to be an NHL-level backup in a few years.

While it would be great if both guys could make the jump (would give us a solid tandem for the next 5-10 years, or perhaps some valuable trade bait), if I were to only pick one I'd say Ortio. He'll have the opportunity to step in and get some meaningful NHL action this year, and has the added maturity and experience of being an "over-ripened" prospect ready to accept that challenge. Hopefully he can take it and run with it.

06-16-2015, 05:08 PM	#1
tvp2003 Franchise Player Join Date: Mar 2006 Exp:	Joni Ortio or Jon Gillies? Prediction time: Who do you think will emerge within the next 1-3 years as the eventual #1 goalie (or at least 1a)? Our two best prospects right now are Ortio and Gillies (McDonald is still 3+ years away IMO). Ortio is 24, had a solid season in the AHL, and performed very well in limited NHL action. He'll most likely play in Calgary next year since his one-way contract kicks in and he will no longer be waiver eligible. Meanwhile, Gillies is 21, and is coming off of an NCAA Championship at Providence where he was named MVP. After three very productive seasons in college, he'll be the likely starter in Stockton next year. Ortio has a cool demeanor, good athleticism and plays a technically sound game. After watching Kipper for so many years, Turku Goaliebot 2.0 really fits. If he can show he can consistently play at the NHL level, we could conceivably have our guy before this season is over. On the other hand, I think Gillies has slightly better upside, although he is younger and would benefit from a year or two of pro hockey experience under his belt. He has great size and has shown he's able to perform under pressure. Not merely a "blocker" like Hiller, he should transition well to the AHL and could be pushing to play in the NHL as early as 2016/17. At the very least he should be good enough to be an NHL-level backup in a few years. While it would be great if both guys could make the jump (would give us a solid tandem for the next 5-10 years, or perhaps some valuable trade bait), if I were to only pick one I'd say Ortio. He'll have the opportunity to step in and get some meaningful NHL action this year, and has the added maturity and experience of being an "over-ripened" prospect ready to accept that challenge. Hopefully he can take it and run with it.