None of our goalies scream "franchise goaltender". I wouldn't be shocked if in 5 years our starter is someone not in the system right now. When's the last time this organization drafted a worthwhile goalie? Mike Vernon? They all are intriguing for sure but I wouldn't bet on any of them yet. Even Ortio looked like he was one season away from being released, then he had such a good year in Abby last year. Now he needs to up his game several more notches if he wants to be a starter (I thought he was just ok at the NHL level last year, Kipper-esque demeanor or not). Does he have it in him? Who knows, but I've seen enough of the Kidds, Krahns and Irvings of the world to temper my expectations until one of them proves it at the NHL level.
There are only 30 starting jobs and 60 total for all the goalies in the world to compete for. It is probably likely that none of these guys become legit #1 starters in the NHL, but as a team, the group of Ortio, Gillies and MacDonald is a well above average goalie prospect depth (quality, not quantity-wise) in the NHL.
There are 2 guys that started for "big 6" nations in the WJC recently and 1 guy that just got taken as the #1 goalie in the most recent draft. No complaints about the quality of our G prospects here.
Ortio has ice water in his veins. The youngin' is cracking at the seams! When in doubt, go with the more established Finn. I'd rather have a guy of that ilk than a mostly unproven college goalie in a defense first environment who was awful against the world's best juniors at the WJHC and then level off again when back to college like 'life is back to normal.'
That said, he is huge, younger, and maybe more athletic. So there is the upside and I'm all for that, but at the end of the day, especially with goalies, I'll go with Ortio, who has been very solid and consistent at the pro level.
Ortio starting to gain some distance. If it gets to 10 or more I don't think we can call it a tie. It would be presumptuous to assume those voting one goalie at 9 would necessarily take the other at 10
There are only 30 starting jobs and 60 total for all the goalies in the world to compete for. It is probably likely that none of these guys become legit #1 starters in the NHL, but as a team, the group of Ortio, Gillies and MacDonald is a well above average goalie prospect depth (quality, not quantity-wise) in the NHL.
There are 2 guys that started for "big 6" nations in the WJC recently and 1 guy that just got taken as the #1 goalie in the most recent draft. No complaints about the quality of our G prospects here.
Fair enough. I agree too, at their current levels they are all playing well, or even excelling. If I had to pick one it would probably be McDonald. Not because he's new per se, but rather I trust really like our current management and trust their judgment. I was surprised when they took a goalie at #34, actually a little annoyed especially because I wanted Demko, but I stupidly wanted him at #54 (obviously he wasn't going to be there). I really wanted McKeown when he 'dropped' to us. A few hours passed, and I had to remind myself I'm just a fan and I'll leave it in the scouts hands. Too many times I was pissed they passed on who I thought was a steal only to be proven wrong years later (Esposito and Kabanov come to mind). I figured they must really like him to take him as the 1st goalie and with a high 2nd so I got on board. I like Gillies and Ortio too for the record, I just like 10-15 of our other prospects better.
We're pretty much already doing a run-off, wasting another day to get very similar results would be kind of redundant. Whoever has the most at the end of this round should just become #9, #10 is automatically decided, and we move onto #11.
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I got flamed for this when he was with the Flames, but IMO Ortio showed serious weakness in his lower body, often sliding out of position and into the net when there was traffic in the crease.
Until he can shore that up, I don't see him having much NHL success.
FWIW, I've gone with Sieloff the last couple of rounds. IMO, he's got Wotherspoon's steadiness with an added physicality that will make him a game-changer, not just a reliable but nondescript #4.
I'm voting Gillies over Ortio here for probably the opposite reason I took Gaudreau over Bennett. Ortio posted great numbers in the AHL, while Gillies posted great numbers in College. Logic would dictate that better competition would make Ortio the clear choice.
However; Goalies are different from forwards in the sense that similar numbers against weaker competition doesn't necessarily mean a lower quality prospect as a goalie can only be so "good" before he becomes complacent among weaker competition. It's not like forwards where the guy can go out and score his team 5 points a game.
The tie breaker with such similar numbers is pedigree and if you look at that, Gillies wins out. The way he makes saves and keeps his composure during big games sets him apart IMO. Doing all this at a younger age also gives him an edge over Ortio IMO.
Not to say this wasn't a tough choice and the toughest for me so far in the summer prospect pool Ortio's pedigree is strong as well and also has an excellant chance to become an impact goalie in the NHL, but I think Gillies should be the higher ranked prospect at this point.
This Post is Terrible voted also I see. (I assume that is someone's 2nd account.)
Voting with multiple accounts defeats the poll somewhat, but I suppose it's not the only case example. Come fellow CPers, no need to Jihad one of our own polls.
On my list I have Ortio at 4 and Gillies at 8 and all my lower picks have been selected, so I'll just vote for the goalie not selected on the next poll. Since this is the case, just declare the voting a tie or name one and make the other pick the winner of round 10.
This Post is Terrible voted also I see. (I assume that is someone's 2nd account.)
Voting with multiple accounts defeats the poll somewhat, but I suppose it's not the only case example. Come fellow CPers, no need to Jihad one of our own polls.
Were you referring to my post? I'm sorry if you didn't like it, this is my only account I just don't post that much.