Back Up Goalie Discussion

[Strange Brew]

Nothing that Treliving has done thus far makes me think he will leave the backup goalie job to a rookie, nor leave the bottom pairing on defense to a pair of rookies.

[Harry Lime]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

Nothing that Treliving has done thus far makes me think he will leave the backup goalie job to a rookie, nor leave the bottom pairing on defense to a pair of rookies.

Treliving is also a smart guy, and after going the Grossman/Wideman/Jokippakka plus two capable backups (in other organizations) route last year, I believe that he won't repeat what didn't work for this team.

Manson/Montour in Anaheim, for example are now considered huge assets, but only because they were allowed to play. Gibson ans Jones were given 1B duties for a year to prove their worth. Sometimes you have to trust your development in order to take that next step.

I'm all for buying a vet dman for Stockton as a fallback.

But we have 5 goalies in the system (if you count Schneider) who hold promise, and Rittich held the fort well in Stockton last year. If they decide to go the veteran route, I'll be worried every time Lack or Niemi or whomever is asked to take over the net. More worried than if it was Rittich, because I already know the weaknesses of Lack and Niemi.

If Rittich fails in the first five games he plays, can we really not just go out at that time and find a Lack on the cheap? If Lack fails, we bring up Rittich, and what in the world do we do with Lack?

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Harry Lime

Treliving is also a smart guy, and after going the Grossman/Wideman/Jokippakka plus two capable backups (in other organizations) route last year, I believe that he won't repeat what didn't work for this team.

Manson/Montour in Anaheim, for example are now considered huge assets, but only because they were allowed to play. Gibson ans Jones were given 1B duties for a year to prove their worth. Sometimes you have to trust your development in order to take that next step.

I'm all for buying a vet dman for Stockton as a fallback...

How is this a fair comparison? First of all, Anaheim did not start two rookie defensemen on their NHL roster in the same season. Manson first made the team in 2015–16 full time when he was 23-years-old. Brett Kulak is 23-years-old. Josh Manson did not make his NHL debut until just this season. He did so as an injury recall, and it occurred a few weeks before he turned 23-years-old. This was also after two full seasons in the AHL in which he scored at nearly a point/game pace.

The Flames have a few defensemen who have around the same amount of AHL experience, but I think it is fair to question whether they are yet good enough—or even if they ever will be for the NHL. Others who are likely good enough are still very young nd do not have the requisite experience.

Again: I think the Flames should and will have a rookie defenseman on the opening night roster, but ONLY ONE. They will also need to sign a veteran for depth/balance on the third pairing, but some of you are kidding yourselves if you think it is advisable for them to start two rookies in the NHL.

[GioforPM]

I have no knowledge of this, but are there any goalies in European leagues who might be ready to make the jump as a backup?

[FlamesNation23]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I have no knowledge of this, but are there any goalies in European leagues who might be ready to make the jump as a backup?

You mean like the best goalie outside of the nhl?

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by FlamesNation23

You mean like the best goalie outside of the nhl?

Hah. Not really, just a guy whose had a few seasons against men. There's been a few that worked out. And really, Ramo was practically one of those guys, after having a short stint in the NHL he went back, got better, signed with Calgary. I'd take peak Ramo as a backup to Smith.

[Samonadreau]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Hah. Not really, just a guy whose had a few seasons against men. There's been a few that worked out. And really, Ramo was practically one of those guys, after having a short stint in the NHL he went back, got better, signed with Calgary. I'd take peak Ramo as a backup to Smith.

You mean like Rittich?

[Kipper_3434]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I have no knowledge of this, but are there any goalies in European leagues who might be ready to make the jump as a backup?

Joni Ortio

[TheIronMaiden]

Jonathan Bernier is probably the most attractive UFA in terms of age (28) and save percentage (.915). He also played 39 games. which is close to what Calgary might demand from their second goalie.

Still its the cap and term that comes with signing him that scares me. his last contract was 4.15M. Which is a touch high for my liking. I just don't sense that the Flames will get a quality back up for good dollar value.

[VladtheImpaler]

Originally Posted by TheIronMaiden

Jonathan Bernier is probably the most attractive UFA in terms of age (28) and save percentage (.915). He also played 39 games. which is close to what Calgary might demand from their second goalie.

Still its the cap and term that comes with signing him that scares me. his last contract was 4.15M. Which is a touch high for my liking. I just don't sense that the Flames will get a quality back up for good dollar value.

In the game of musical chairs, seats are getting filled up already and when the music stops, I think there will be several good goalies left without a chair. I think we can afford to be patient into August even, and see who is left without a gig. I would not be surprised if Bernier is without a job, or CAR really wants to dump Lack, etc...

[jlh2640]

Maybe Chad Johnson will reconsider lol

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by Samonadreau

You mean like Rittich?

I really like Rittich, and I am somewhat on the fence about relying on him as a backup, but no, Rittich is not like Ramo.

Ramo played in the AHL and NHL (bouncing back between the two) for 3 full seasons. He was rushed into the NHL. He then played 4 full seasons in the KHL (and was totally lights out, and even winning a championship IIRC) before returning to the NHL (Calgary).

Karri appeared in World Cups, AHL All Star games, KHL All Star games... he excelled at every step (with the exception of the NHL) up until he joined the Flames.

I like Rittich, and he may surpass Ramo, but make no mistake that Ramo was vastly more experienced and 'NHL-ready' than Rittich was.

If Ramo didn't get hurt, I would welcome him back as the backup without a single hesitation. I believe he is playing for Jokerit in the KHL next season, however.

[Samonadreau]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

I really like Rittich, and I am somewhat on the fence about relying on him as a backup, but no, Rittich is not like Ramo.

Ramo played in the AHL and NHL (bouncing back between the two) for 3 full seasons. He was rushed into the NHL. He then played 4 full seasons in the KHL (and was totally lights out, and even winning a championship IIRC) before returning to the NHL (Calgary).

Karri appeared in World Cups, AHL All Star games, KHL All Star games... he excelled at every step (with the exception of the NHL) up until he joined the Flames.

I like Rittich, and he may surpass Ramo, but make no mistake that Ramo was vastly more experienced and 'NHL-ready' than Rittich was.

If Ramo didn't get hurt, I would welcome him back as the backup without a single hesitation. I believe he is playing for Jokerit in the KHL next season, however.

I know. I should have highlighted the part that said 'has played a few seasons against grown men' in regards to my Rittich reference.

Ramo had more of a pedigree. I was a big Ramo supporter and it's a shame he got injured.

Call it a gut feeling but I think Rittich is ready for a Backup role. Now if Smith gets injured that's a different story and he's not close to ready for starting so I can see wanting to bring in a more experienced/proven tender.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Samonadreau

You mean like Rittich?

I actually think that the fact he played in a men's league prior to the AHL means he has more experience than he's being given credit for by some posters. It obviously has worked with some players who either jumped in early or used it as an alternate path.

[mikey008]

Originally Posted by Swayze11

Eddie Lack would be my choice. I always thought he looked good in Vancouver and I was actually surprised they chose Miller over him at the time.

NO WAY! Rather take my chances on either Gillies or Parsons! Unless you want to see Lacks dad get TV time of HNIC.

[Zoller]

Anyone of the following would be good imo
Nilsson @ under 2m and 2 years or less.
Pavelec @ around 1.5m for 1 year
Kinkaid @ 2m for 2 years

Out of these 3 Kinkaid interests me the most

Basically what I'm saying is I wouldn't want to see a backup sign for more than 2 mill and more than 2 years.

So that rules out Johnson, Mason, Bernier, Miller, and obviously Elliott.

I don't think Enroth or McElhinney are good options. Maybe on a 1 year deal but it would have to be cheap.

[DiracSpike]

Put me in the camp of thinking BT gets a veteran backup tender on a cheap 1 year deal. There's no way he leaves that job to one of our young guys, all three need to be playing 40+ games and not sitting with a ballcap on all season. I know people are really excited to see Gillies or Rittich play, I am too, but trusting either of them to backup all season where we don't have a first round pick is too much.

If I had to guess I would say it's those two in the AHL again for next season, Parsons in the ECHL with KC playing against men for the first time.

[Toonage]

Whoever originally came up with the idea that Bouma could be moved for Lack might be bang on. Frees up space on the wing, gets us a backup goalie, helps Carolina out with their 3 goalie conundrum, gives them some size and grit that they may need etc. Scary how many boxes this checks.

[Textcritic]

I am starting to re-think this a little. I am now convinced that the Flames will not sign a backup goalie on the UFA market in the first two weeks of free agency. The Flames will probably wait until closer to the season, and attempt to pick up a player for only one year.

But I think there is yet a good chance that the type of experienced goalie the Flames will want to add will counter with a demand for term, which will not work in the Flames salary structure. All that to say I think there is a good chance that Rittich may start in Calgary. If so, Treliving will likely continue to look for options via UFA or trades to bring in a more experienced guy on a one year deal.

[Bunk]

On Fan, Stockton commentator guy suggested Rittich most NHL ready to be backup. Also suggested Enroth would be a good option - was good last year.