[edslunch]

Originally Posted by 1qqaaz

Rittich isn't going to be getting over 50 starts, never mind 60 +, so maybe I'm missing the main point of the argument.



Another problem I have with Smith is that he's wasting a valuable development spot. A lot of goalies develop as backups and end up gradually becoming starters. Look at how the Capitals, Lightning, Kings, Sharks, Ducks, etc. have been developing goalies. It would be nice if our backup had at least some upside, rather than an extremely sharp decline.



You want to give Rittich a rest? Good, I largely agree. But why not give starts to someone who has potential and can grow. I hope the Flames don't acquire any goalies on the wrong side of 30. Definitely no one on the wrong side of 35 (like Smith, Howard, or Anderson), except maybe McElhinney if he's dirt cheap.



People are saying the Flames shouldn't trade Smith, but I think that's silly. It's clearly the biggest whole in the organization by a mile. Why not fix it.

I suspect the organization still views Rittich as the developing goalie. He’s in uncharted territory and last year dropped off significantly later in the year. Under these circumstances they probably prefer a proven vet as his partner. Just need a better proven vet than Smith.