I kind of don't get this trade, next year teams like be looking to unload goalies because of the expansion draft, why not wait till next year?
In case you missed it, Elliott posted that best save percentage in the league last season (.930) He's also on an extremely cap friendly hit for next season of 2.5 million. Why put off getting a #1 goalie for a year when you get can acquire one now?
Thing is, we can still go after a goalie next year should Elliott not work out, such is the flexibility this deal provides.
All star, great stats, low acquisition, low cap hit, doesn't force buyouts, allows further additions if required. It really is the smartest deal out there.
Exactly. If Elliot fails we could still go buy Bishop, or go after one of the other UFA's next year. Why not spend a 2nd rounder to get a guy that just had a terrific year, for cheap?
Best save percentage in the league : check
Top three goals against average in the league: check
Beat out every other Blues goaltender since his debut in 2011 in GAA and SV % including Legace, Miller, Halak, Brodeur, and Allen: check
Lead the Blues to their best playoff run in decades the first year that he was allowed to start the playoffs: check
Was the only reason we beat Chicago in round one by absolutely stealing games 1 and 7? check
Was signed to an amazing $2.7 million team friendly contract: check
Is statistically the best chance of the Blues making a cup run in 2016/17: check
Alright he meets all of the check marks, let's give him away for peanuts.
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The thing I like about Elliot is that the guy has had to battle his entire career. He was a late round pick. Fell out of favor in Ottawa, and looked like he was on his way out of the league after his stint in Colorado. But he battled back and always seemed to have the deck stacked against him in St.Louis.
He's a veteran guy who maybe isn't a fully proven commodity. But he's proven that he can hack adversity and for a team with three big dollar low value one year contracts on the books his dollar figure is fantastic.
He was really impressive in the playoffs. Even that year they played LA in round one he played really well.
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For comparison and a reality check for those who dont like this.
Linden Vey was traded for a 2nd round pick. He is likely not playing in the NHL next year.
Glencross was traded for a 2nd and a 3rd. He is retired.
Flames traded a 2nd round pick for a goalie that has the 2nd highest save percentage over the last 3 years and is signed for 2.5 million dollars. If resigned we give a conditional 3rd pick. Worst case he is a stop gap.
Jonas Hiller made 4.5 million dollars last year. He is out of the league.
Ramo made 3.8 million dollars last year. He is either out or will be a backup somewhere.
Flames won big here and have just improved significantly without giving anything significant of return, while still being in a healthy cap position.
Elliot was probably the best case scenario coming out of this draft weekend when you consider talent, cost, and cap hit. The extra cap space makes it much easier to eat a bad contract or helps with a ufa.
I can't believe we got Elliott, I never thought the Blues would trade him, and for a 2nd and conditional 3rd? ZOMG.
In my opinion he's the best goalie we could possibly have come away with from draft day, and he's cheaper, and he's on a shorter contract, and he cost significantly less than Fleury or Bishop or likely Reimer's cap-hit.
This is awesome.
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I can't believe we got Elliott, I never thought the Blues would trade him, and for a 2nd and conditional 3rd? ZOMG.
In my opinion he's the best goalie we could possibly have come away with from draft day, and he's cheaper, and he's on a shorter contract, and he cost significantly less than Fleury or Bishop or likely Reimer's cap-hit.
