[Rumour] College UFA Matt O'Connor to visit Calgary

[GioforPM]

He might think about having to play Johnny a bunch of times in Vancouver or Edmonton:

http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hock...amazing-assist

https://conteconfidentialbc.wordpres...-career-point/

http://www.bu.edu/today/2014/terrier...pot-semifinal/

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/colle...often-downs-bu

[Gaudfather]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Perhaps bringing in O'Connor gives the Flames the depth necessary to move one of Ortio or Gillies to address another hole without feeling like they are leaving a hole in the pipeline. Just saying.

Hiller, Ramo, Ortio, Gillies, MacDonald - we already have pretty reasonable depth at the Goalie position, so this would add credence to this thought. If your adding another solid piece to your goalie depth chart, someone is likely to be moved.

[D as in David]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

Edmonton has probably the worst group of goaltenders top to bottom across the league. They have no legit starter and no legit prospect.
So he probably smells opportunity. Which there is.

Which would make it that much funnier if he chose Calgary over Edmonton as the lack of defensive prospects on the Flames was the justification used by Oilers fans for losing out on Morrison.

In the end, though, I think he chooses neither team. Not much opportunity in Calgary given the goalie prospects already in the system, whereas, while there is a big opportunity in Edmonton, it is a very dangerous one.

[Roof-Daddy]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

Edmonton has probably the worst group of goaltenders top to bottom across the league. They have no legit starter and no legit prospect.
So he probably smells opportunity. Which there is.
Contrast that with Calgary where there are 3 legit prospects in the pipeline.

All true....BUT, they are a terrible organization and absolutely demolish their goaltender's careers into tiny little pieces.

Scrivens and Fasth both had decent careers up until being dealt to Edmonton, now they look like beer league goalies.

Dubnyk was brought up in their system, and flamed out hard core until they mercifully jettisoned him from their awful clutches. Little over one year and a few teams later and he's come in a saved the Wild's season, looks like a stud goalie now.

I just don't understand why any youngster....especially a goalie, would risk subjecting themselves to that kind of a disaster.

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

All true....BUT, they are a terrible organization and absolutely demolish their goaltender's careers into tiny little pieces.

Scrivens and Fasth both had decent careers up until being dealt to Edmonton, now they look like beer league goalies.

Dubnyk was brought up in their system, and flamed out hard core until they mercifully jettisoned him from their awful clutches. Little over one year and a few teams later and he's come in a saved the Wild's season, looks like a stud goalie now.

I just don't understand why any youngster....especially a goalie, would risk subjecting themselves to that kind of a disaster.

For goalies specifically it is all about understanding where you are going to get a chance to grab the net. With only 60 jobs in the NHL and 30 starting jobs - you want to make sure you are going to be in a position to make your mark.
I get it.
Frankly if I was a goalie prospect, and confident of my abilities, Edmonton would be at the top of my list.

[sureLoss]

Sometimes it is difficult to understand why a UFA would sign with a certain team.

Case in point: Defenceman Kevin Czuczman was one of the free agents the Flames were rumored to be involved with last year. He decided to sign with the Islanders even though they had a lot of their own high draft picks in the same age group and on the farm. The deciding point for him? Not opportunity which he would have been better if he signed with the Flames, but he felt more comfortable with the Islanders because he worked out in the offseason with a few Islanders.


It shouldn't be a surprise that the Oilers are there. They are one of the most desperate teams trying to fill a goalie position. Even if O'Connor has no intention of signing with them, it is in his best interest to use their offer and promises as leverage with the other teams.

[sureLoss]

per Friedman's 30 thoughts. o'connor is expected to visit EDM, CGY, VAN, and BUF.
NYR are a possibility too

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/3...n-hating-2010/

[sureLoss]

Darren Dreger @DarrenDreger
As early as next week BU's Matt O'Connor will begin an NHL tour with stops in Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Buffalo and maybe NYR.

[Mattman]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Darren Dreger @DarrenDreger
As early as next week BU's Matt O'Connor will begin an NHL tour with stops in Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Buffalo and maybe NYR.

Great! So only 4 legitimate teams to compete with?

[burnitdown]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Even if O'Connor has no intention of signing with them, it is in his best interest to use their offer and promises as leverage with the other teams.

Correct me if I'm wrong...but won't all teams likely be offering the exact same deal? So leverage wouldn't really be a factor here.

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by burnitdown

Correct me if I'm wrong...but won't all teams likely be offering the exact same deal? So leverage wouldn't really be a factor here.

They can offer up to the same max deal. That doesn't mean his #1 choice will be offering it.

For example say Calgary his first choice but they won't give him full bonuses, but Edmonton is the only team that is willing to give him all bonuses. He will try to use Edmonton's offer to up Calgary's offer.


Also while it can't be put into a contract he will be getting verbal promises on playing time and starts next season. He can use that as leverage too.

[calf]

Great job handling that line tonight, Drew

[Blarg]

I wonder if the championship game has affected O'Connor's decision making process. I don't think teams would be any less interested though.

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by Blarg

I wonder if the championship game has affected O'Connor's decision making process. I don't think teams would be any less interested though.

Yes, perhaps he wouldn't want to go to an organization that has 3 players he practically handed championship rings to.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Yes, perhaps he wouldn't want to go to an organization that has 3 players he practically handed championship rings to.

We still have Hickey, who he kept the championship away from!

[sureLoss]

Latest from Friedman, not mention of Calgary though:

21. Boston University free agent goalie Matt O’Connor begins meeting with NHL teams this weekend. According to one source, he is to begin with Ottawa, where he will attend Sunday’s Game 3 against Montreal. Edmonton and Vancouver are to follow. The Under-18s may affect scheduled visits.

[Roof-Daddy]

Meh. I highly doubt he's going to sign here and go head to head with Gillies for NHL/AHL roster spots.

[sureLoss]

Yup looks like Calgary is no longer in contention

@TSNBobMcKenzie: Tough finish for BU G Matt O'Connor but he remains sought after UFA. Has visits scheduled with OTT, EDM, VAN. BUF and NYR likely to follow.

[PeteMoss]

He would have been crazy to sign here with Ortio, Gillies and MacDonald in the pipeline.

[savardandjokinen]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Yup looks like Calgary is no longer in contention

@TSNBobMcKenzie: Tough finish for BU G Matt O'Connor but he remains sought after UFA. Has visits scheduled with OTT, EDM, VAN. BUF and NYR likely to follow.

Oh bruh