[PGT] Flames 4. Habs 1. Backstrom solid in Flames debut

[hockey.modern]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

Where else is he going to play? Finland?

Exactly. I'd rather go to my home country and play close to home then being in the AHL. Just think of Hiller's situation right now, would he rather get a job in the AHL, or play at home?

[TheScorpion]

Originally Posted by hockey.modern

Exactly. I'd rather go to my home country and play close to home then being in the AHL. Just think of Hiller's situation right now, would he rather get a job in the AHL, or play at home?

I guess, although what would the money look like?

I'm sure that if the Flames' goaltending situation was dire enough, Backstrom could get in a few games as a call-up. He sat out for 14 months in North America - he could play for Stockton and maybe see some more NHL action.

He'd be a solid third-stringer.

[Fire of the Phoenix]

If Backstrom is truly serious about making an NHL comeback next year, he'll probably have to resign himself to being a 3rd stringer with a chance to move up. Maybe some team with a young/unproven backup?

[PugnaciousIntern]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

IMHO - if Backstrom keeps up this great work ethic and good play, we should sign him to a 2-way deal at the league minimum for next season. Guy seems like a great man and a hard worker - he looks like a great role model for the young guys. He wants to play - why not give him a job? He deserves it. He can mentor Gillies in Stockton.

Just my two cents.

I think the most important lesson from his performance tonight is just HOW BAD our goaltending is, when we see a 38 year old guy who hasnt played in over a year, and are already trying to figure out how to keep him for next year.

He shouldnt be standing out like this

[TheScorpion]

Originally Posted by Fire of the Phoenix

If Backstrom is truly serious about making an NHL comeback next year, he'll probably have to resign himself to being a 3rd stringer with a chance to move up. Maybe some team with a young/unproven backup?

Originally Posted by PugnaciousIntern

I think the most important lesson from his performance tonight is just HOW BAD our goaltending is, when we see a 38 year old guy who hasnt played in over a year, and are already trying to figure out how to keep him for next year.

He shouldnt be standing out like this

He had actually a pretty great game. 20 saves on 21 shots? Ain't bad for a guy who hasn't played in 14 months.

That's a great achievement on any team. You need a guy with experience to mentor your young goalies, and we have Ortio and Gillies who both fit that bill. What's to dislike here?

[Fire of the Phoenix]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

He had actually a pretty great game. 20 saves on 21 shots? Ain't bad for a guy who hasn't played in 14 months.

That's a great achievement on any team. You need a guy with experience to mentor your young goalies, and we have Ortio and Gillies who both fit that bill. What's to dislike here?

I could see the Flames signing him as for depth, especially if Backstrom has a good experience here. He has to realize he's in no position to ask for anything. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if he just retires, but what if he has a couple more strong starts? Stranger things have happened.

New #1 guy
Ortio
Backstrom
Gillies (give Gillies bulk of starts in AHL obviously)
McDonald (ECHL)

[TheScorpion]

I could see our 2016-17 organizational goaltending depth chart looking as follows:

Reimer
Ortio
Backstrom
Gillies
McDonald

[Fire of the Phoenix]

I want to like Reimer, I really do. Something about the guy bugs me, I just don't see a true #1 there. It will really come down to how much and for how long. I just don't how he can possibly be worth more than $4m AAV for 3 years given his accomplishments to date. I worry they will throw too much money at him, that's why I'd rather they get someone more proven as a starter, even if they have to surrender a couple of picks (2nd and 4th or something). Reimer has never even started 40+ games, it's kind of a red flag and he seems to get injured every year. He has been lights out for SJ though. If he keeps it up, I could see them signing him and trading Jones.

[Otto-matic]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

I could see our 2016-17 organizational goaltending depth chart looking as follows:

Reimer
Ortio
Backstrom
Gillies
McDonald

No way the flames toss that much money into the goaltending. He wont go down to the AHL and sure as hell isnt running a 3 goalie system again.

I only see him back as a plan c to the ufa market, if it falls short this summer.

[TheScorpion]

Originally Posted by Otto-matic

No way the flames toss that much money into the goaltending situation. He wont go down to the AHL and sure as hell isnt running a 3 goalie system again.

I only see him back as a plan c to the ufa situation.

I don't get it.

Reimer would likely command ~4 million.
Ortio, maybe 2 million?
Backstrom is a UFA, remember - he won't get more than the league minimum.

That's 6-7 million. I mean, that isn't much at all.

Also, how do you know that he won't go down to the AHL? Are you his agent? How can you be so certain?

I think the guy just wants to play, and if being a 3rd-stringer is his best chance, I bet he'll take it. I don't know him, but I bet he's grateful to the Flames' organization for giving him another chance to play. Why wouldn't he come back? Unless he gets a better offer in Finland, I can definitely see both sides having interest.

[Otto-matic]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

I guess, although what would the money look like.

I dont think hes worried about the money. He´s 38, probably wants to play out his days either in the NHL or at home.

[Fire of the Phoenix]

Originally Posted by Otto-matic

No way the flames toss that much money into the goaltending. He wont go down to the AHL and sure as hell isnt running a 3 goalie system again.

I only see him back as a plan c to the ufa market, if it falls short this summer.

If they keep Ortio as the backup, I would wager large sums of money that another veteran will be brought in as depth. Maybe not on the NHL roster, but as Gillies backup in the AHL to start. I highly doubt the Flames organization will be 100% confident in Ortio as their full time backup going into next year, even with his strong play of late. Really, why not Backstrom if he's up for it and he finishes the year strong?

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

I could see our 2016-17 organizational goaltending depth chart looking as follows:

Reimer
Ortio
Backstrom
Gillies
McDonald

That looks like a very strong group right there.






For the AHL.

[Fire of the Phoenix]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

I don't get it.

Reimer would likely command ~4 million.
Ortio, maybe 2 million?
Backstrom is a UFA, remember - he won't get more than the league minimum.

That's 6-7 million. I mean, that isn't much at all.

Also, how do you know that he won't go down to the AHL? Are you his agent? How can you be so certain?

I think the guy just wants to play, and if being a 3rd-stringer is his best chance, I bet he'll take it. I don't know him, but I bet he's grateful to the Flames' organization for giving him another chance to play. Why wouldn't he come back? Unless he gets a better offer in Finland, I can definitely see both sides having interest.

I think Reimer will be more like $5-$5.5m. Ortio might just sign his qualifying offer, he's in no position to get $2m IMO.

[the2bears]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

IMHO - if Backstrom keeps up this great work ethic and good play, we should sign him to a 2-way deal at the league minimum for next season. Guy seems like a great man and a hard worker - he looks like a great role model for the young guys. He wants to play - why not give him a job? He deserves it. He can mentor Gillies in Stockton.

Just my two cents.

Why a 2-way deal?

[Fire of the Phoenix]

Originally Posted by the2bears

Why a 2-way deal?

Why would he get more?

[Burner]

Originally Posted by Otto-matic

I dont think hes worried about the money. He´s 38, probably wants to play out his days either in the NHL or at home.

or maybe he wants to be a goalie coach.....

[Calgary4LIfe]

I wouldn't be opposed to signing Backstrom on the cheap for next season, but it would have to be a 'last resort' type of thing. If you do that, the organization is really banking on Gillies stepping up sooner rather than later.

A more shrewd approach is to find someone in their later 20's who COULD be an answer moving forward and just needs an opportunity. If he doesn't work out, find another one or two like him the following year. Gillies (and Macdonald and Schneider) continue to develop until they are ready to test the NHL.

Backstrom... well, it is a short sample size, and MTL is crap. Not the worst idea, but you would want to see a larger sample size.

Now, perhaps the right move to make with Backstrom is turn him into a goalie coach. However, this will only work with Ortio I think. Guys with that "Finnish-type" of play. Perhaps Gillies could learn something from him as well, as I have him pegged as a bit more of a hybrid goalie rather than just a traditional butterfly type. Backstrom reads the play really well (always has) and is very much Kipper-like in the way he swallows up rebounds. Not sure he can coach, but that is an idea anyways.

[Ozy_Flame]

MOD EDIT: Take it to PM.

[Caged Great]

I could see the Flames or another team inviting Backstrom to camp. If he's willing to be a Joey MacDonald type of guy, then I'd be all for having him aboard.

I think having him as insurance is a prudent move. If the Flames sign Reimer for sake of argument and are planning on having him and Ortio as the tandem, allowing Backstrom to compete as well would help in case Ortio struggles again to start the year.