Quote:
Originally Posted by VilleN
Gotta say, I'm pretty surprised that Gillies isn't faring better in the last couple of polls. Of the remaining prospects I think he is the best bet to actually be an NHLer at this point. I guess people are hesitant with goalies, especially with a couple of down years and the Flames history with drafting and developing goalies.
|
He's getting old enough where emerging as a viable NHL goalie is becoming less and less likely. Could absolutely still happen, it'd just be an exception to the rule. Most goalies in the NHL emerged at 25 or younger, and all of those had consistently solid work as either a backup or in the AHL.
Gillies turns 26 this season and took a large step backward last season in the AHL and was also not great in the NHL the year prior.
He might be the best bet to get into more NHL games, but I think most people are choosing based on a player's likelihood to actually stick in the NHL (instead of being a blip on the radar). Gillies' chances shrink every year.