[Signing] Ortio signs in SEL (Sweden)

[Corral]

If I were a developing goaltender hoping to make the NHL, I would much prefer to be drafted by a US franchise. I think the pressure to win in Canada often applies most heavily on the goaltender - which is difficult for a young guy like Ortio to carry. For sure the case in western Canada. I agree with those who say he's better off in Europe with a good chance to get back to the NHL in a few years.

[activeStick]

I agree with the general sentiment that unless you come with that high end pedigree, as a goalie, developing in Europe might have an advantage in terms of getting ice time in order to get noticed.

Jobs are limited in the NHL and even AHL and without that pedigree to help with opportunities and ice time, moving up the depth chart can become an extremely difficult task.

[Bandwagon In Flames]

Originally Posted by dammage79

I might be crazy but I still feel that Ortio can become a #1 in the NHL. He can play lights out, he really needs to find consistency. He should've been cut loose with the others as the Flames did, but I think his development flopped here with the mess last season.

Consistency is what separates contenders from pretenders.