UFA Poll: Should the Flames resign Joey MacDonald

[kermitology]

Goodness no..

[codynw]

Originally Posted by nik-

Yes, they could do that. I'm suggesting they give Ortio the NHL games.

I personally don't think he's ready yet, I don't think he looked as great as most seemed to in his brief stint last season. Give him another season or two in the minors and call him up when there's injuries. He's only 23 years old after all, a little more time in the AHL won't hurt him.

[Caged Great]

To me, if you sign him, that's fine. If you don't sign him, that too is fine. He's okay, not that bad, not that good.

Are there better options out there, yes definitely. Are there worse options out there, yes definitely.

I wouldn't sign him before the end of July, just to see what else might be out there, but if we strike out on improving the position, I'd take him back.

[gilligans_off]

I think theres better options available. Not needed and getting too old to be affective backup in the NHL. Move on.

[Radically Red]

Voted no give to Ortio. would have chosen no get another NHL backup if that was an option to select.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Nope.... Plenty of better back ups who are younger and better. Win-win.

[saillias]

Supposedly came to camp not in top shape last year. That and the calling out the team after a game where he let in several stinkers, and not being a reliable goalie, cya.

[zukes]

I voted no and chose that he is not an NHL caliber back-up, which I don't believe to be true. It was just the better option. With the cap space and a low end #1 goaltender (with a chance to improve on that) I think that getting a top tier back-up/competition for #1 job is paramount to any success the Flames may have this year.

[Yamer]

Originally Posted by MisterJoji

Huh? Do you remember that he called out the whole team after a loss where he let some softies in?

Some people generated that interpretation, but that's not how I saw it at all.

I voted yes based on the assumption that the Flames cannot attract a more viable backup tender for this season. Sign the guy you know instead of hedging bets on someone you don't. However, if you can guarantee yourselves a shot at someone with more upside then let him walk.

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by Yamer

Some people generated that interpretation, but that's not how I saw it at all.

Generated? Haha that's funny. You generated an interpretation, I'd say.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/touch/s...tml?id=9115368

Post-game, Bob Hartley was in a forgiving mood. Joey MacDonald, less so.


The Calgary Flames coach charitably let his netminder — who, with the night deadlocked, had allowed an ugly sharp-angle goal 85 seconds into the third period — off the hook.


“Unfortunately, that will happen,” Hartley said shortly after the 4-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings in National Hockey League action Friday at the Scotiabank Saddledome. “Joey Mac bailed us out many times since the start of the season. It’s too bad. He feels awful.”


But MacDonald, apparently, didn’t appreciate the handiwork of the fellows in front of him.


Given his gaffe, the critical tone came as a bit of a surprise.

[gpflamesfan]

I voted no as I think that there are better backups available via free agency if one of our prospects is not able to handle the role.

[Calgary4LIfe]

He did decent they year before last, and had a decent few games last year too.

However, he had a legitimate shot at becoming the starter for the team, and came unprepared to camp (less than ideal shape). This was apparently his best shot in his career as there were always defacto #1s on his past teams whom he didn't really have a hope of beating out.

Add to the fact that there was a game in which he blamed the team for the loss, even though he himself let in some very ugly goals, I think he is done in the organization. I do think he is a decent backup, but I think the Flames can find someone better on the free-agent market.

[3rd line Grinder]

I dont think it makes any sense to bring back a guy who we buried in Abbotsford for basically the entire season, and with good reason. It would be as if we resigned SOB once his contract ended

[Hack&Lube]

We have tons of cap space. Find a better free agent.

[Erick Estrada]

I voted yes because IMO he's good enough to back up Ramo and Ortio needs to spend another season in the AHL as playing 20-25 games in the NHL won't be enough development. Any of the better goaltenders in the UFA market will be looking for multiyear deals and I don't want any retreads on the roster long term because if Ramo continues his play into next season the following season Ortio should be ready to either back up Ramo or split time with him.

[Scoutski]

I voted no but I wouldn't be upset if he was who we ended up with, as long as he's happy to play here and work hard.

[old-fart]

Originally Posted by bubbsy

my sentiment exactly. Macdonald is an acceptable backup goalie at the NHL level, but still voted for the last option, as i don't want him re-signed but also want ortio getting in starter time with the heat.

And mine as well. I'm sure someone will sign Macdonald to a backup gig, but I'd rather we take a flyer on some other goalie. I think we are all aware that we are not likely a "contending" team next year so if we take a chance on some guy we hope migth be something special, and we get a crap backup who doesn't fit... there isn't much lost. Certainly not "making the playoffs" or "not". Failing identifying that "potential sleeper" we should just sign a good team guy who is happy in a backup role that can help in the dressing room and in mentoring the kids.

In my mind, as soon as Joey Mac threw the team under the bus after the loss last year when he hadn't been exactly stellar, and really hadn't been stellar all year, was the end for him. This team right now is about building a culture and development of the youngsters. Part of that is an "us against them" mentality - and based on those comments Joey Mac doesn't fit.

I chose the last option but not because I don't think he could backup in the NHL - just don't want him to do so here, and would rather Ortio get the bulk of the starts in the A next year.

[Stay Golden]

GM will bring in a seasoned back up.
Allow Ortio to get as much time as Starter in the minors.

[FlamesAddiction]

I'd take my chances on another "best outside the NHL" European before going with MacDonald.

[miraisoup]

Nothing really to do with the thread but it made me think of the time he just sat in his net after the Flames won. I think it was 2 years ago, always wondered why he did that.