Quote:
Originally Posted by PepsiFree
That's irrelevant. There are risks to acquiring almost any player (especially goaltenders) and having them bust. Elliott says hello.
You don't get guys like Jones, Talbot, or Andersen by sitting on your hands. You go after great backups and give them rope.
The Flames don't have anyone close to taking over the starter role in the system, and both Johnson and Elliott have been underwhelming.
Factoring in that all of the tenders I named are either backups or in tandem roles, along with the upcoming expansion draft, the acquisition cost would be low and not something to be worried about.
Certainly no where close to the cost of picking up Bishop, MAF, or Howard.
|
I actually think there are 2 questions that need asking in regards to goaltending.
Is the Goaltending the flames have now good enough to make the playoffs with improvements to the rest of the roster? I think it is.
Is the Goaltending the flames have now good enough to contend for the Stanley Cup with improvements to the rest of the roster? I don't think it is.
I think in regards to a rebuild, elite goaltending is a quality that should be added towards the end of a rebuild if possible because it is often the hardest thing to identify in young players and is often costly in terms of cap.
I think if you added a top 6 RW and a legit top 4 defender to this current Flames roster (and subtracted Wideman), Elliott/Johnson is a good enough tandem to get you to the playoffs. No one would confuse you with a contender, but you'd be ahead of the oilers and canucks in the standings.
I would consider re-signing both goalies but especially Johnson. He's arguably been worse than Elliott but I think he's adequate and will have the lightest impact on the cap.
2-3 years from now is when you need to have an elite goalie in place. That's enough time for a goalie prospect or two to take the position over, or to make it clear the team needs to look outside the organisation.
Right now they need a guy who will give them a chance to win every night if he gets the goal support. Eventually if they want to be a cup champion they'll need a goalie who can shut the door when he isn't getting the goal support.