Goaltending going forward

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by MJK

Ramo will challenge for the starting job next year. He is ready and proved it in the 5 games he played this season.

You meant Ortio, right?

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

Depends who would be the best synergy/teacher to Ortio?

I know the question is one or the other right now, I'm thinking Ramo or whoever gives a better return of the two (likely Hiller), but I was wondering if anyone believes both will go and we bring someone in of slightly higher calibre?

They can always call Hrudey down from the press box to provide some insight and pointers.

[flambers]

In my view, Ramo will leave as an UFA. Ortio will be with the Flames next season sharing duties with Hillier

[DuckmanX]

Assuming that things stay status quo, and the flames play past mid april, I will want to see how they play in the post-season before coming to my conclusions.

Does anyone else feel that competition amongst two starting-capable goalies, possibly makes them individually better?

[codynw]

Just in case it hasn't been confirmed (I didn't see it anywhere in this thread yet) Ortio does need to clear waivers next year. I'm in the camp of re-signing Ramo and trading Hiller. The two are fairly equal in my mind, but Ramo is younger and has more room to get better.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by puckedoff

Thanks EA Sports.


My take on it is if you see Ramo and Hiller as basically equivalent and want to keep just one so you can keep Ortio, you can move Hiller for an asset (even if its a 4th round pick) and re-sign Ramo for free.

Well if he plays for free, sure.

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by DuckmanX

Does anyone else feel that competition amongst two starting-capable goalies, possibly makes them individually better?

I would say that it is highly dependent on the individuals and their egos and expectations. Some guys can certainly work in that sort of system and improve while others could lose confidence while sitting on the bench.

[Jacks]

If Ramo can be re-signed for 2 years at a reasonble price then I'd do that, trade Hiller and run with Ramo-Ortio next year. If that isn't possible then let him walk and run with Hiller-Ortio next year.

I think we have to go under the assumption that Ortio is ready next year. Whether he is the starter or the back up depends on his performance. If he doesn't pan out we can always pick up a backup through sign/trade/waivers.

[boogerz]

Re-sign Ramo and flip Hiller at next year's trade deadline

[MrCallahan]

Originally Posted by DuckmanX

Assuming that things stay status quo, and the flames play past mid april, I will want to see how they play in the post-season before coming to my conclusions.

Does anyone else feel that competition amongst two starting-capable goalies, possibly makes them individually better?

I've been thinking this for a while too, and I think it does help! Blackhawks seem to be a decent example of this in terms of outcome, winning the cup twice, and in both of those seasons they had a pretty good split of duties between their goalies.

09-10 Season
Player Name GP
Antti Niemi 39
Cristobal Huet 48

12-13 Season (guessing this includes presale, numbers from hockeydb)
Player Name GP
Ray Emery 21
Corey Crawford 30

That being said, I haven't reviewed other previous cup winners to see if it's similar. But I do agree that I think it does help make them both individually better.

[FlamesAddiction]

I lean towards Ramo and Ortio. Hiller is a very tradable asset. I like Hiller and Ramo though, but I go with the younger of the 2 if there is a choice.

It all depends on price though.

[getoverit]

whatever we do, I dont want to loose Ramo for nothing, bad asset mgmt. Hiller to be traded im thinkin

[Dion]

I would like to see us Sign Ramo and trade Hiller. Never been a fan of Hiller's style tending where he's always down on his pads leaving himself to be beaten with shots up high.

[D-Red]

I will forever hate EA Sports for building the myth that a 1 or 2 way contracts dictate waiver eligibility.

Waiver eligibility is determined by the age the player is when they sign their ELC, and then how many years of service/games played.

Using Ortio as an example here, he signed when he was 20, so he needs to complete four years of service or 80 NHL games. His 4th year of service finishes up this year so as codynw mentioned, he is waiver eligible next year.

Having said that, I think Ortio locks in as a backup at the very least, and the Ramo Hiller decision comes down to asset management. If Ramo is willing to re-up at a reasonable cost and you can get something decent for Hiller, then that's the way to go.

If Ramo demands too much and the return for Hiller is underwhelming, stick with Hiller/Ortio.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by BurningSteel

Where is the poll??

I prefer to keep Ramo and move Hiller.

I have no clue how to add a poll, I think a mod has to add it.

[Dr. Doom]

To be honest I think the tandem itself is is what's worked so well for us - two different styles - but usually similar results. Team's don't know which goalie they are getting each night.

How do you stray away from that? Only if Ramo is asking too much, and even if that's the case maybe it's a sign and trade where they deal one of them throughout next season.

I love Ortio but he's only 23.
And was actually one of the one's that wanted Ramo dealt by the deadline for good asset management. I now admit that I was wrong and I'm glad that they didn't do that or rush Ortio though they didn't have much a choice due to his injury.

With the team having cap room I think you re-sign Ramo to tops 4.5 a season for 2-3 and you let this situation continue to play out. Really there's nothing forcing hand here.

EDIT: All of this assuming he wants to re-sign here of course

[tvp2003]

If Ramo falters down the stretch, I can see him getting traded for a pick before he becomes a UFA and then signs with that team.

If he plays well? I could see a team taking on Hiller on the last year of a reasonable contract given his performance this year.

[kyuss275]

I'll wait till end of year to give my thoughts. Also do posters think Ramo would sign a one year deal? That's the good thing about Hiller, only one more year on contract.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by kyuss275

I'll wait till end of year to give my thoughts. Also do posters think Ramo would sign a one year deal? That's the good thing about Hiller, only one more year on contract.

I think Ramo will get a multi-year (probably 3 year) deal from someone.

[Heavy Jack]

I think signing Ramo + the return a one year left on contract Hiller trade could fetch is mighty tempting. Colorado was crazy enough to throw a 2nd out for Berra and Hills has a much, much better and extensive track record. I see him fetching at least a second which would make it easier for the Flames to make a significant jump in the draft this year if they see a player they want and can target in the 12-15 range. This years draft should prove to be yet another exciting timr for Flames fans to watch!