I believe Parsons will be the goaltender of the future for the Flames. He's only 20 and had great numbers in the juniors. He was absolutely dominant for the US in their 2017 World Junior Championships winning gold vs Canada. Those numbers haven't translated well to the AHL but he's still young and has a lot to learn. He has the skill set and all the tools needed to be an NHL goaltender at some point.
For now, I believe Michael Hutchinson would be a solid back up as he’s a 28 year old UFA. I think signing him to a 2-3 year deal worth $1.75-$2 million per year to be a great signing. He's had tremendous numbers in the AHL this past year going 17-5-1 with a .935 Save % and 2.08 GAA. He’s done fairly well in his starts with the Jets this past season. Unfortunately for him, the Jets signed Mason to back-up Hellebuyck and he's signed for next year as well at $4.1 million, which makes Hutchinson expendable. He hasn't had great numbers with the Jets the last two years, but neither did Hellebuyck nor any of their other goalies as the Jets were a defensive mess before turning the corner this year. Before that he did go 21-10-5 for the Jets 3 years ago when they played surprisingly well. I honestly do believe Hutchinson can be a solid back-up for Smith as well as a great and reliable starter if Smith gets injured or is not re-signed after this upcoming season. Having Hutchinson for 2-3 years gives Parsons enough time to properly develop, and we all know goalies and defenseman take more time to develop than forwards.
As well, I do think if Hutchinson is signed, Gillies RFA rights could be packaged with Bennett and some picks or prospects for a top 6 RW (Mark Stone perhaps? Since Ottawa could use a goalie now and for the future with Andersen reportedly wanting out, as well as a young player in Bennett and picks/prospects to help their rebuild).
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