Quote:
Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher
From what perspective? From Gillies' perspective he really needs to play games after missing almost the entire season 2 years ago. Rittich may be ready but wouldn't be hurt playing more in the minors. From a depth perspective it makes little to no sense to be one injury away from a tandem who has 1.3 games of NHL experience to their credit.
Seems like its impatient fan sentiment more than anything pushing for these kids to make the NHL. Not convinced Treliving thinks its time based on his interviews. I think he'll want proper depth in case of injuries and not roll the dice that Smith will never get injured.
|
If Rittich and Gillies both stay in the AHL all season then will it not be exactly the same situation next season with them having hardly any NHL experience? The only way for goalie prospects to get time in the NHL is to actually play them.
I get what everyone is saying about Gillies, given that he was injured his first pro season and that the experience of being an AHL starter again will be valuable.
I am less convinced about Rittich. He played 2 seasons for Mldada Boleslav BK in the Czech Extraliga, then a season in the AHL where he was one of the top netminders in the league. He'll be 25 by the time the season starts.
Which quality NHL back up is going to want to sign a one year contract for the Flames? Do you sign a good one for two years and potentially waste Rittich as a prospect who never gets an opportunity? I'd also rather have Gillies play this season as the clear number 1 goalie for the Heat, which I think would be hard to justify given that Rittich outperformed him in both the regular season and playoffs.