What I got from the interview with Mac last night after the Oilers Spoiler was that he would very much like to stay on.
Given all the uncertainty of Kipper, I do think that all the speculation with our plethora of goalies is still way wide open.
I'm not about to talk about hard facts as I just dont know enough about the other goalies. But keeping within the confines of what is going on now, I would say that Mac HAS to stay.
There has been some suggestions that we just start the season with 2 brand new goalies but I think that that would be a huge mistake. Its only prudent to do a mentor/rookie role and to be really honest...what is the rush? We are already in a rebuild and I would say that we are not looking at a playoff berth next season (as wrong as I'd LOVE to be) so take the time to get it right and not knee jerk with the prospects. We have a pool of goalies so there is going to be trial and error.
Another point that we all tend to look over at this moment is that the season is done for the flames. There is a HUGE difference in playing for contention as opposed to being the spoiler.
For arguments sake lets say we got a prospect goalie in for a game now (a la Hanowski style)...and he blows us all away. Thats great but in a full season there are so many factors which will weigh heavily; most of which is the mental attitude of a mid-season grind. We need that veteran calming influence in the dressing room that Mac would provide to a rookie. The same is true for the D and forwards. They all look great as of now and I see a great future for all of them but I personally only have true confidence in Reinhart, Brodie and Backs for next year.
The only reason I don't factor in Kipper is that there is so much uncertainty.
Not to mention the size of the Western conference players wearing down a rookie goalie (or two) with all the net crashing in a full season. Not and easy job at all for even the likes of Kipper/Mac.
In short...take your time Mr. Feaster, the fans called for a rebuild and we got it so we expect down time in the coming seasons. Build it right. We are off to a good start so far.
P.S.
Anyone noticed Mac's been working on his rebound control? looks much better with no zone clearing kickouts!!!...although SOME of them were pretty entertaining to see
