[Blaster86]

So what have the Flames just signed?

The Flames have signed a lovely human being and a remarkable NHL goalie over the last two seasons. There is no reason to expect him to make some major regression to what he was before, even without the tutelage of goalie coach Ian Clark, who is credited with getting Markstrom to the next level. Should there be concerns? As with all UFA signings, there is some. He's had issues with health for the past two seasons, having back, knee and hip issues. Not uncommon for a goalie, though their timing has been a bit back-breaking for the team as they have come during the stretch run of Jan - March in each of the last two seasons and again in the play-offs this year. Realistically he will bring stability to a position to the net for the Flames and will perform up to his contract for half of it at least. Like all goalies, he will have off games. Like all goalies, he will let in the odd bad goal, but in Markstrom's case it's very VERY rare.

Vancouver would probably prefer to keep him, but between Demko looking to take on a bigger work load and the expansion draft in a season there was no way to guarantee keeping both if signed. Losing Demko for free when Markstrom is in his 30s is not a palatable option, and wouldn't be for any team. So Holtby becomes the 1b to Demko's 1a.