When do we lock in a goaltender for next year?

[lazypucker]

I would rather wait to see if one or more of Gillies, McDonald, and Parsons break out. For the next 2 to 3 years, just get some stop gap goalie...

[N-E-B]

Elliott is far from the problem with this team, but he's not what I had expected we were getting. Probably should have paid for Bishop. I suspect that may still happen in the off season.

Would I re-sign Elliott? Possibly. It's too early to say for sure.I wouldn't go more than 2-3 years though.

[Toonage]

Originally Posted by N-E-B

Elliott is far from the problem with this team, but he's not what I had expected we were getting. Probably should have paid for Bishop. I suspect that may still happen in the off season.

Would I re-sign Elliott? Possibly. It's too early to say for sure.I wouldn't go more than 2-3 years though.

If its true Bishop wanted 7x7 and thats what killed the trade then you keep walking away from that.

Keep walking.

Further.

Keep going.

[topfiverecords]

I'd be fine with Johnson on 2 year deal. He's looked more like the starter than Elliott.

[puckedoff]

Elliots glove hand speed, especially early in games reminds me a lot of Hiller.

[Poe969]

isn't Kris Russell a UFA next year? He made as many blocks last year as any Flames goalies have!

[1qqaaz]

For me, the main problem with Elliott is his age. He isn't a long term solution.

We also can't bank our goaltending future on Gillies.

[Erick Estrada]

I would like to see a new goaltending coach more than anything. I get that the defense has bee horrific over the past few seasons but it seems that the moment a goaltender puts on that Flames jersey his level of play drops.

[Calgary4LIfe]

No need to rush. Wait until at least February.

Flames should be playing better by then - hard to figure out what you have in any goalie right now. Sample size is too small anyways.

See who else becomes available and for how much - though in some cases, teams my not be willing to move their depth in net if they are hoping for a long playoff run. Perhaps none of the bigger names move until the off-season.

See how Rittich and Gillies do in Stockton (and the NHL, if there are injuries during the season and they end up getting some playing time). I think the other goalies are way too young to factor into the equation - and Gillies himself is probably too young with another season or two of AHL probably helping him.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Toonage

If its true Bishop wanted 7x7 and thats what killed the trade then you keep walking away from that.

Keep walking.

Further.

Keep going.

Bishop denied that

[GreenLantern2814]

Originally Posted by topfiverecords

I'd be fine with Johnson on 2 year deal. He's looked more like the starter than Elliott.

As the starter? That's a recipe for more of the same. Chad Johnson is not a #1G

[MarkGio]

I would prefer a short term deal with any goalie. If Elliott can be signed to a 3 year deal, than take it, even if he's a weaker goalie than MAF or Bishop.

Remember, the Flames have Gillies in the system and he's probably NHL ready after this season.

[Toonage]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Bishop denied that

I'll stop walking then.

[Split98]

I have no problem with Elliott. To me, it's only been the most recent games where he looks to be contributing to the losses. Prior to that he was the primary reason we were even playing into the 3rd. I don't blame him one bit for looking uninspired lately -- as the whole team has, and it has to be pretty exhausting at this point.

I also hope that Johnson is kept around as well. He's looked great in games and I definitely see some promise there.

Neither have stepped up to be a bonafide long-term solution but neither has the revolving door. We have a few prospects that could step in given time, so looking for 1-3 year solutions should be our focus. Elliott and Johnson are absolutely goalies we can rely on if we had a playoff team infront of them.

[dissentowner]

It is too early for this thread. There is no point at this stage in looking to extend anyone until more shakes out.

[dustygoon]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

It is too early for this thread. There is no point at this stage in looking to extend anyone until more shakes out.

Ha. The point is that you can maybe get him cheaper now than if you wait. If the conviction was there at the start of the year......it should still be there.