[Signing] Flames re-sign Joey MacDonald (1yr, $925k AAV)

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by $ven27

Not sure how accurate these numbers are.. Nabokov 22-5? Backstrom 22-3?

Yeah I got it from cap geek, the L column is actually the OTL column

[browna]

Is Joey MacDonald the "Best goalie not on the ice last night"?

Signing's everywhere...and during the tail end of a throwaway season.

Honestly, probably just for positive PR. They could make all of these signings in 7 or 8 days or longer; soon after the season is done without any change in impact on the next 4 games.

Its also as if JF is padding his resume by going crazy making these ELC signings and "addressing" needs for next year, as if he is being consciously aware he should be looking active and proactive about next year before a final decision is made on his own employment for next year. Or maybe its already past that, and he just tying up loose ends before.....?

That said, the timing of this one, hours after the last time Flames fans see Kirpusoff live, is basically to give further justification to play him in the next 4 games, and yes, signifying that the Flames are being forced to move on from Kiprusoff next year.

[FlamesAddiction]

In the big picture, it's not a big deal. I just hope that being a one-way deal doesn't automatically relegate Berra or Ramo (assuming he signs) to the minors if their play is similar. I would rather have the young guys fighting it out. If that doesn't happen, then it is a moot point I suppose, so we'll just have to wait and see.

I do find it funny that a 33 year old career 3rd string goalie is what people want to make sure there is competition for the newcomers.

[Max Cow Disease]

An extra 100-200K was probably tacked on as compensation for leaving him in for 8 goals against the Coil.

Good man, good goalie, good contract, and likely a stabilizing veteran presence to have amongst the young lads. Nothing wrong with this. I didn't assume the tandem would be Ramo/Berra next year in any case.

[Caged Great]

It's basically like having noodles on our team in terms of on ice play. Can't complain about that at all.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by browna

Is Joey MacDonald the "Best goalie not on the ice last night"?

Signing's everywhere...and during the tail end of a throwaway season.

Honestly, probably just for positive PR. They could make all of these signings in 7 or 8 days or longer; soon after the season is done without any change in impact on the next 4 games.

Its also as if JF is padding his resume by going crazy making these ELC signings and "addressing" needs for next year, as if he is being consciously aware he should be looking active and proactive about next year before a final decision is made on his own employment for next year. Or maybe its already past that, and he just tying up loose ends before.....?

That said, the timing of this one, hours after the last time Flames fans see Kirpusoff live, is basically to give further justification to play him in the next 4 games, and yes, signifying that the Flames are being forced to move on from Kiprusoff next year.

The Flames aren't re-signing guys for positive PR, to pad Feaster's resume or save his job. Especially not our draft picks. Want proof of that? Joey Leach.

The chronic conspiracy theorists are getting tiresome. Really silly post.

[StrykerSteve]

Originally Posted by browna

Is Joey MacDonald the "Best goalie not on the ice last night"?

Signing's everywhere...and during the tail end of a throwaway season.

Honestly, probably just for positive PR. They could make all of these signings in 7 or 8 days or longer; soon after the season is done without any change in impact on the next 4 games.

Its also as if JF is padding his resume by going crazy making these ELC signings and "addressing" needs for next year, as if he is being consciously aware he should be looking active and proactive about next year before a final decision is made on his own employment for next year. Or maybe its already past that, and he just tying up loose ends before.....?

That said, the timing of this one, hours after the last time Flames fans see Kirpusoff live, is basically to give further justification to play him in the next 4 games, and yes, signifying that the Flames are being forced to move on from Kiprusoff next year.

He's been signing the kids, moving the vets for picks, and retained one backup goalie. Pretty much exactly what I've been asking for during the past 4 years. Good on him for finally getting it done.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

One possibility that hasn't been mentioned much in this thread is that Kipper decides to play longer and the Flames trade him. Obviously we already tried to trade him once, not out of the realm of possibility that we try again if he decides to come back.

[Dr. Pepper]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

In the big picture, it's not a big deal. I just hope that being a one-way deal doesn't automatically relegate Berra or Ramo (assuming he signs) to the minors if their play is similar. I would rather have the young guys fighting it out. If that doesn't happen, then it is a moot point I suppose, so we'll just have to wait and see.

I do find it funny that a 33 year old career 3rd string goalie is what people want to make sure there is competition for the newcomers.

That doesn't quite represent the opinion of those who like the signing I don't think - nor is it a fair characterization of Mac. Although he certainly will push the newcomers and compete with them, it's more of an insurance policy as he's a known quantity, while the others coming in are not. I would certainly like it if one of the youngsters made a case for lots of playing time, but I also like the idea of Mac being here too, in whatever role he ends up in - there's quite a lot of possibilities - starting, split-starters, backup, minors. He's also acknowledged to be a great guy in the room, and possibly a great mentor for the young goalies. So taking everything into account, on balance, it's a good move in my opinion.

[Bane]

While I don't mind the signing, personally, it does make me question what Feaster's definition of "post-apex" is.

[PeteMoss]

Its a goalie they picked up off waivers who's signed for 1 year. They gave up no assets to keep him.

[868904]

Originally Posted by Bane

While I don't mind the signing, personally, it does make me question what Feaster's definition of "post-apex" is.

Goalies are different, their apex is later in their careers and they are actually better with experience.

No problem with this signing, cant believe some are complaining about the dollars. Its pretty much minimum.

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by Bane

While I don't mind the signing, personally, it does make me question what Feaster's definition of "post-apex" is.

Goalies have a different apex and for 1 year, it ain't a big deal.

[kyuss275]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

No it doesn't.

I am always amazed at how linear most people's thinking is. Planning involves preparing for contingencies.

If Kipper comes back - great!

If Kipper doesn't come back, then let Ramo, Berra and MacDonald fight it out.

It would be fortunate (but unlikely) that both Ramo and Berra show themselves to be better than MacDonald. However, if they do, then great! Send MacDonald to the Heat to mentor Brossoit (and if he I claimed on waivers, then good on him).

If one of them shows well, then run with that player and MacDonald, sending the other one to the Heat.

If neither of them show well, then thank God we have MacDonald signed.

Finally, you can also factor Brossoit in the same way as Ramo and Berra. If he is the best goalie in camp and he looks NHL-ready, then great! Unlikely though. So if not, he would be one of the two going to Abby.

Back to Kipper -if he comes back, you simply let the other four fight for the 3 remaining jobs. If all 4 look fantastic, you can probably move MacDonald, or maybe you can send Brossoit to the E. If one of the other 3 struggles, you are glad to have MacDonald.

Bottom line: it is simply IMPOSSIBLE to be certain at this point what next year's goaltending situation will be.

Maybe, but i don't quite see it. Ramo is more than likely going to be getting $1.5-$2 million. Thats quite an investment for someone, like you said, that might be going to the minors. Ramo is all but assured a place with the big club next year.

Not sure why you would want to send a 33 year old back up down taking games and practice time away from prospects?

Berra i see in the AHL.

If Kipper does come back Feaster has to tell him that he did him a "solid" this year by not trading him, but next year will be different. If for some reason Ramo looks good and Berra deserves the odd cup of coffee with the big club, then Kipper needs to know he can be traded at any time. I guess he could just retire, but not sure he would want to take the chance on ending his career mid season like that.

More than likely Kipper is done and the flames know it.

[browna]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

The Flames aren't re-signing guys for positive PR, to pad Feaster's resume or save his job. Especially not our draft picks. Want proof of that? Joey Leach.

The chronic conspiracy theorists are getting tiresome. Really silly post.

The timing of these signings, not the actual players being signed, is the part I am wondering aloud about.

I realize this is a different season then most, but I can't ever recall the Flames signing so many draft picks, while the season was still going on....usually done when the season was done, correct?

And hey, I'm allowed an opinion just like you.

[boogerz]

Originally Posted by Dr. Pepper

That doesn't quite represent the opinion of those who like the signing I don't think - nor is it a fair characterization of Mac. Although he certainly will push the newcomers and compete with them, it's more of an insurance policy as he's a known quantity, while the others coming in are not. I would certainly like it if one of the youngsters made a case for lots of playing time, but I also like the idea of Mac being here too, in whatever role he ends up in - there's quite a lot of possibilities - starting, split-starters, backup, minors. He's also acknowledged to be a great guy in the room, and possibly a great mentor for the young goalies. So taking everything into account, on balance, it's a good move in my opinion.

Not to mention if Berra & Ramo are lights out and MacDonald isn't needed on the Flames, there is much lower chance he gets claimed off waivers than many of the other backups available this summer.


People questioning this signing are crazy. There is no downside

[Bane]

Originally Posted by 868904

Goalies are different, their apex is later in their careers and they are actually better with experience.

No problem with this signing, cant believe some are complaining about the dollars. Its pretty much minimum.

We're not talking about goalies in general, we're talking about Joey MacDonald specifically. Do you honestly believe he hasn't peaked already?

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by browna

The timing of these signings, not the actual players being signed, is the part I am wondering aloud about.

I realize this is a different season then most, but I can't ever recall the Flames signing so many draft picks, while the season was still going on....usually done when the season was done, correct?

And hey, I'm allowed an opinion just like you.

Well you could always wait to the last minute like we did with Tom.

[868904]

Originally Posted by Bane

We're not talking about goalies in general, we're talking about Joey MacDonald specifically. Do you honestly believe he hasn't peaked already?

Is there a better goalie out there for free and at that price?

The plan is to hope that Ramo or Berra can be a starter but you still need an insurance policy. Would you rather they went with just the two unknowns, had them falter, and then have to trade a draft pick or asset for another veteran goalie?

Like someone else said, it's 1 year, he's for insurance in case the two euro guys cant cut it.

[kyuss275]

Originally Posted by 868904

Goalies are different, their apex is later in their careers and they are actually better with experience.

No problem with this signing, cant believe some are complaining about the dollars. Its pretty much minimum.

Don't mind the signing, but the bolded part is a bit off. It's not "pretty much minimum" , in fact its closer to being double of minimum, than it is to minimum. I guess if the flames signed McGrattan for $930,000, to you that would be near minimum.