[Flamescuprun2018]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

Flames also really need to take a look at Rittich this season. He is an RFA next year. Is he worth another contract? His AHL record seems to think so, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything. Is he a Curtis Joseph, or is he a Curtis McElhinney (or not even)? Only way to figure that out is to give him some starts at the NHL level, but it is always difficult giving breaking a goalie into the NHL. I am not sure he is ready (no idea). I just know that he has been doing well in the AHL, and is an RFA.

Flames are also facing a bit of a logjam in the system:

Rittich (AHL, 24 this year, RFA next season)
Gillies (AHL, 22 this year, RFA next season)
MacDonald (ECHL, 20 this year)
Schneider (Junior, 19)
Parsons (Junior, 19)

I would figure that Parsons (maybe even Schneider) should probably graduate this year, though I am sure one is going back to Junior. One takes over Mason Macdonald spot in the ECHL, MacDonald graduates to the AHL, and there has to be some room made.

Gillies of course will get re-signed. Does Rittich walk? I have no idea. I think you have to play him some games at the NHL level to figure that out, but Flames find themselves in the midst of a playoff race where one game can drop you out of the playoffs at season's end.


I really do think that the Flames have to figure out if Rittich is at least a capable, dependable backup at the NHL level. Going to be difficult working him in (outside of a long-term injury issue with one of the existing Flames goalies).

Completely agree. We need to see what Rittich can do at NHL level before a final verdict on Elliott. But I think there is a strong possibility that we re-sign Johnson and Rittich for next year. We save the 3rd rounder and let Elliott walk. Elliott's numbers are not even close to good enough. Hiller territory right now.