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Originally Posted by Erick Estrada
It's been stop gap after stop gap since Kipper retired. Given Smith's age I don't think anyone is under the impression that he's anything but a stop gap. Given the circumstances though I don't know what else Treliving could do. He did try to get Murray from the Penguins when he was in the AHL before he became a big name so he at least has a good read on goaltenders. If the it was between the Oilers and Flames for Talbot that Sather would have ensured the Oilers got him. MAF doesn't want to play for the Flames. Should he have tried harder to get Darling? Maybe. Grubauer or Raanta IMO were boom/bust in that if they couldn't handle the starting job it may sink next season so there were risks no matter what.
The team really has to ensure that Gillies or Parsons is on the roster next season as backup as they need to move forward with their own drafted/developed guys as even after Smith the team likely will have to sign/trade for a 1A/1B type of goaltender to compete with a goaltender from within for the starting job.
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At this point the best play would have been to go all in on a guy like Schnieder or Raanta imho. Guys that have started a number of games and need a change of scenery or legitimate chance to shine. You keep giving up mid range assets to land marginal "hopeful" starter solutions and it adds up to a much larger investment and worst of all, lost opportunities.
If even one of Rittich, Parsons or Gillies evolves into solid 1B material I would consider it a huge win for the organization at this point. I'm not so sure the organization has the time or patience to see this through considering the team's current window is now open.