It could be that Ramo has no interest in signing with the Flames or has decided to stay in Russia and this is why the Flames have made moves to acquire another goaltender. I would think the Flames would have got Ramo's name on a contract right after his season ended. IIRC Ramo's season ended a couple weeks ago?
His KHL contract does not run out until the end of april or may. they cannot sign him right now.
Does he have to pass through waivers to come here this season like Ramo does?
edit: nm I see it's for next year.
Ramo is on the Flames' RFA negotiation list, he doesn't have to go through waivers. Ramo's season is over, but is still under contract until the end of May I think, when all KHL contracts expire.
I don't mind this strategy at all. Developing goaltenders is such a crap shoot, might as well acquire some guys that are a bit further along and give them a shot. Most of the time they'll wind up being Karlssons, but it sure would be nice if we struck gold and Ramo or Berra turned out to be a Hiller or Fasth.
His name may not be widely known in North American hockey circles but the Flames have heard a lot about him from their European scouts in recent years. The team's scouting staff have been split on who was the best goaltender outside of the National Hockey League, Berra or Karri Ramo. Now, the team has both thanks to Bouwmeester trade on Monday evening.
"We made a mental note when we got the rights to Karri Ramo, if we ever had the opportunity to pick up Reto Berra's rights, we would do it," Feaster explained. "He happens to be represented by the same agent that represents Sven Baertschi and he's playing in Switzerland so Bob (Hartley) was familiar with him as well.
__________________ "In brightest day, in blackest night / No evil shall escape my sight / Let those who worship evil's might / Beware my power, Green Lantern's light!"
I know stats don't mean everything, but this guy's stats are not very good, at all. A GAA of over 3.00 and a save % just slightly over 0.900...and this all coming in the Swiss league. And just for reference, the best tender in that league has 2.05 GAA and a 0.920 save %.
In fact, 3 of the past 4 years Berra's gaa has been over 3.00, 2 of the past 4 years his save % has been below 0.900. With that said it does look like he had a good season in 2011-12 - but has appeared to trend back more towards his usual this season.
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"Man, so long as he remains free, has no more constant and agonizing anxiety than to find, as quickly as possible, someone to worship."
Anyone else looking forward to life without Kipper? Don't get me wrong, love they guy, far and away the best goalie in Flames history, but with Iggy gone we really need to turn the page on this franchise. Really looking forward to what Ramo/Berra can bring next year. Their overseas success may not translate to the NHL but at least we get to see if these trades paid off for Feaster until Gillies/Brossoit are ready to take over.
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