Quote:
Originally Posted by djsFlames
It's not about getting a better starter (Smith is probably top 10 when healthy anyhow...). What we need is for Smith to not go down with injury again.
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Smith is 36 and hasn't played over 55 games since 2014-15. He is also one of the most injury-prone goalies over the past 10 years so it's a big gamble simply hoping for him not to go down again.
Also, there's no way he's a top 10 goalie when healthy. Even assuming age doesn't catch up with him this year, he's had a save percentage over .916 once in his 12 year career. He's definitely capable of stealing a few games over the season but he's pretty much an average goalie his entire career.
While I love the offensive upgrades this season, BT is gambling again on coaching and goaltending. I definitely think this can be a playoff caliber team but for that to happen, I think it's going to be the emergence of Gillies/Rittich being able to play a solid 40 games that will be the main driver.