QOTD: Ortio Decision

[Igster]

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

Am I the only one who thinks Ramo is better than Hiller?

I've always thought that, but those last few starts for Ramo have been shaky. Hiller's last game was brutal though.

[Toonage]

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

Am I the only one who thinks Ramo is better than Hiller?

Nope, I also think he's better. I also think you can get more back (even if it isn't much) for Hiller.

[Hatter]

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

Am I the only one who thinks Ramo is better than Hiller?

You're not alone. Ramo is younger, cheaper, and no worse than Hiller. My preference would be to re-sign Ramo and trade Hiller at the deadline.

We should be keeping as many Finnish goalies as possible.

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by chopper89

I think the time to trade is now- admitting it's a lot easier said, than done in the NHL.

Dubnyk for a third might be a good price-setter for Ramo. Move him, and decide the future is now for Ortio, like they have for Gaudreau, Granlund, Jooris. I like Ramo- but don't think the playoff chances take a hit by replacing with Ortio now.

On top of that, it jumps development of a key player in preparation for another step forward as a team next season.

I agree. I think the Flames should move Ramo and run with Hiller and Ortio. Ramo has pretty decent numbers and a winning record over the past two years with the Flames and as such I think he would be a pretty hot commodity on the trade market.

[flambers]

My guess, when Ramo is activated the Flames

will either demote Granlund.

or

If Glencross is hurt they may place him on the IR

[Eric]

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

Am I the only one who thinks Ramo is better than Hiller?

Nope

[foshizzle11]

I think a conditioning stint in the A would be great for Ramo just to get him going again and playing a lot, as long as this is a possibility anyway.

Otherwise, I think we run with 3 goalies until Ortio under performs. If he starts to stumble, then he goes back down. If what he brings doesn't help the team win games, then no need to keep him up here. If the flames think he is ready, then we make a move in the off season or don't re-sign Ramo.

[terminator]

Might aswell swing the bat. Its not like the team is expected to make the dance.

I say keep ortio, get a good return on one of hiller or ramo and see if we can still do the undoable.

[Vinny01]

Go with 3 goalies but start to see what you can get for Ramo or Hiller on the market and make a trade.

[Gaskal]

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

Am I the only one who thinks Ramo is better than Hiller?

I think that as well. Ramo's let in some soft ones before, but I'm still considerably calmer with a Finn in net. And Ortio hugs the posts very well...airtight as if I was holding LT+RT in goalie mode.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

Am I the only one who thinks Ramo is better than Hiller?

I think it is really close between the 2, but the thing I like about Ramo is that he improved from last season (maybe not statistically, but just from watching him) and he is 4 years younger than Hiller. Goalies often peak right through their late 20s through their 30s, so if trajectory means anything, I think Ramo could be the better goalie soon enough. With Hiller, I think he is pretty much at his ceiling, which is not bad but we should still be thinking about 4 or 5 years from now.

So to summarize that ramble, I would be in favour of extending Ramo and trading Hiller if there is choice.

One thing though, I love that we have 2 capable goalies that play different styles. It gives the team some great practice material.

[Lanny_McDonald]

I think you move a goaltender and keep Ortio until the end of the year, then send him too Addy for the playoff run. I also think the Flames sign Gillies and he comes in to play some pro hockey after Providence's season ends. He's likely in line to be the guy next year in the AHL anyways.

[Nehkara]

The Flames posted this on their twitter:

Calgary Flames ‏@NHLFlames 48 minutes ago
"No." - Joni Ortio

[Imported_Aussie]

Keep Ortio up for an extended run. Glencross goes onto IR, the team rolls with only 1 spare forward (either Granlund or Raymond draw in for Glencross) and the Flames get a good look at Ortio. Ramo may end up walking as a UFA anyway, especially with Ortio playing well and being a potential tandem with Hiller next year. Something has to give with the Flames in net, as Gillies likely lands in Addy next season, so he should start with a veteran as a 1B in the AHL, meaning one of Hiller, Ramo or Ortio has to go.
If Ortio is good enough now, pursue a trade for Ramo, or Hiller if the team is confident in signing Ramo, and that he is the better option over Hiller

[Calgary4LIfe]

The Flames are not just a rebuilding team, they are (thus far) a bubble-playoff team that has a shot at making the playoffs, and are playing meaningful games. Adding those two components together clouds the issue a little.

Option one - Send Ortio down today: I don't like this choice. Ortio has two very solid appearances - including a rare win (and shutout) against a team the Flames have had loads of trouble with. The Flames are pushing the 'always earned, never given' angle, and if they want to be honest with that motto, they simply can not send Ortio down today.

Option three - Send Ortio down at the All-Star break: Not a terrible idea either. From a development perspective, I think it may help Ortio in the long run by playing a little while longer this season before getting sent down again. Who knows, however? He may just be on his winning streak right up until the All-Star break.

Option 4 - Trade a goalie and keep Ortio for the year: I think at any point this season, it was a realistic option. I do think Ortio is Calgary's best shot at a bona fide starting goalie - I do think he is Calgary's goalie of the future, though Gillies and MacDonald are nice to have as well. I just don't think the Flames should make room for Ortio with a small sample size here, or worse yet - not maximize assets. Wait it out a little bit until there are a couple more injuries and suddenly the goalie market is hot. Teams will come calling for Hiller I would say - NHL experienced, but another year left on the deal. Tough to move him I think. Ramo is easier, but I am not so sure teams will be after him to replace their starter.

Option 2 sounds like the most reasonable and 'patient' to me, and I think during a rebuild, patience is virtue. Let Ortio start every game (other than a back to back of course) until he 'loses' the net, then send him down. Adirondack needs him as well. Next year, make him the backup who plays 30 or maybe even 40 games, splitting duties with whomever is left next season.

I think a good poll at this point would also be "Which goalie out of Ramo and Hiller should the Flames keep for next season?" I bet this would make for an interesting discussion.

[the_only_turek_fan]

Go with Ramo and Ortio. Hire Kiprusoff as the new goalie coach.

[StrykerSteve]

If Ortio beats the Ducks in Anaheim, he's my starter for the next ten years.

[Fan in Exile]

Originally Posted by Bingo

it's a unique situation with the contract status of the two Finnish goaltenders for next season.

Ramo is likely leaving anyway (trade or free agency)
Ortio is coming anyway (one way contract starting in the fall)

Given their playoff standing (this wouldn't be an issue if they were in 25th spot), I think you have to put the best team forward. If Ortio forces your hand it gets forced.

Allows the prospects to see that you can push your way on to the team if you out play veterans.

I agree that the prospects should be able to see you can push your way onto the team if you outplay the veterans but it's different for goaltenders, and this isn't a big enough window.

I'm not sure that Ortio is going to be better than Ramo or Hiller long-term. It's very hard to project. You need a bigger NHL-level sample size to really know for sure. Having said that I think he gets his shot next year for sure so Ramo's days look like they're numbered.

In the meantime I would start Ortio as long as he stays hot and keep him up here for at least another week. Adriondack only has one game over two weeks anyway.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Play Ortio until he deserves to sit. Right now he deserves to start and since the goal is to make the playoffs you ride the hot hand. Not sure if that game is tomorrow or not, but keep playing him.

[jar_e]

Well Ortio is on a one-way contract starting next season so may as well let him shine and get him use to the NHL because someone disappears out of the three in the next 8 months. I don't see the harm in riding the hot goaltender.