Throwing my big bold prediction for the Flames season in here:
"Flames goaltending is Achilles heel in first 30 games"
and I'm speculating the Flames have options to make a big move for a true #1 goalie
(This isn't a knock on Mike Smith, nor is this post about him.)
I'm curious in a few story-lines this year and a couple of them include some goaltenders who have that Stanley Cup caliber.
Montreal's Carey Price, Columbus' Sergei Bobrovsky and Nashville's Pekka Rinne.
Carey Price - 31 years old - 7 years - $10,500,000
Let me start with Montreal. They are a weird looking team. I don't know what their plan is, rebuilding? shooting for a wildcard spot? They seem lost. If Montreal has an off year, which no doubt they will, hopefully they are in a position to deal Carey Price. The only thing stopping this and making it unrealistic is the term and price for Price.
Bottom line: If Treliving can be a wizard, and Bergevin can be Bergevin then maybe just maybe.
Pekka Rinne - 35 years old - 1 year - $7,00,000
Nashville is a Stanley Cup contending team. President's trophy winners last year and they are bound to dominate the Central division again. The only question they have is 'what to do in net?'. Saross is bound to take over and that may mean Rinne is out of a job, simply because of the fact he is still on top of his game at 35. Nashville might not need 2 starting goaltenders if Saroos breaks through this year. And if they decide to ship him before the deadline could return some good pieces to help them deep in the post season.
The only hesitation here is Rinne's age and what to do with him after next year. But who knows, we have had luck with Finnish goaltenders
Sergei Bobrovsky 30 years old - 1 year - $7,450,000
There is a ton of chatter surrounding the Columbus Blue Jackets and their two biggest players, Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky. If it so happens the Blue Jackets find themselves out of the playoff race (unlikely), maybe they pull the trigger on getting a return on Bobrovsky. Also signs pointing to a move is young backup Korpisalo, who has put up decent numbers, waiting to get his shot. Also if the Flames window to win is within the next 6 or so years, who better than a 30 year old, 2 time Vezina winner to take you there.
The only whats if are "what if Bobrovsky decides to re-sign?" or "what if Columbus has a dominant season?".
The Flames have pieces they can move, they are well stocked with prospects and very deep up and down the roster. And if they managed to swing one of these goalies, regardless of price or logistics, I think that makes Calgary a Stanley Cup contender.