Quote:
Originally Posted by tkflames
I've been thinking about the upgrade on Smith and I think it's actually a really tough trade. The obvious longer term choices like Saros are simply not available at a reasonable cost. Smith's character and experience I am sure would have a chemistry impact. Much like Holtby last year, I also think the Flames probably think that Smith has another gear before his journey into the sunset.
If you:
1. Cannot acquire a long term upgrade
2. Dont feel that the risk of trading Smith for a Talbot, McElhinney etc is a substantial enough upgrade to not risk the chemistry
3. Dont want to risk a 3 headed goalie monster which this team is familiar with...
Then your only remaining option is to trade for a top end or experienced goalie in the AHL that is already waiver cleared. Not a lot of good options come to mind on that front...
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I'd imagine this is what they do if they can acquire a backup to reliably give Rittich nights off, and Smith is a good soldier about it
This time around, it's a 3-goalie situation on paper only. If Smith is capable of coming to terms with his new reality mid-season then maybe he and his salary can ride out the year as a coach/cheerleader. The alternative is waivers, as any trade involving him will cost us