Kipper14

They were talking about this between intermissions tonight, and a few names I recall Friedman tossing out... Michael Hutchinson Calvin Pickard Antti Raanta Chad Johnson coming back... Both Doug Mclean and Elliott Friedman suggested the team has no confidence in Lack, and it's just not healthy to keep him around, waive him to stockton and see what it might take to snag one of the above mentioned guys.

I am so torn on this trade.... On the bright side, Mike Smith is a bonafide #1 starter in the league, he is no doubt our #1 from here on out, he seems to be a battler who absolutely hates to lose, he also has the ability to absolutely steal games which we have kind of lacked since Kipper left. My apprehensions lie in him being an older guy for the league at 35 and his numbers are mediocre, albeit being on an also mediocre Arizona team for the last 6 years. I still wouldn't mind seeing if we can snag a legit backup, Mike Smith being the age that he is you need to worry about injuries and have a backup in place.

Feels like we missed the boat on Darling, he had that same kinda scenerio as Talbot, backup on a solid team ready to take on a #1 starters role somewhere. Feels to me the clear choice to go after right now is Bishop, and then resign either Elliott or Johnson to remain as a solid backup to play 20-25 games or possibly take over if Bishop falters. Fleury is playing lights out right now for Pitts, but he still worries me with his mental lapses at times, he can either play like the best goalie in the world or be very average. With Elliotts up and down season, and with his last goal allowed in Game 4, I bet he'd sign on for another year at 1.5-2 million, sucks for him cause his stock was sky high heading into playoffs, and then absolutely plummeted in 4 games. There is speculation that Winnipeg may be a fit for him but if that happens, Johnson wants to remain a Flame.

Spoke with a buddy who attended the Season Ticket Holder Q & A hosted by Brian Burke. Burkey apparently told those in attendance that the only current goalie who might be returning is Joni Ortio....in a backup role. Ramo is done. Pretty sure they are aiming for that true #1 goaltender who will play 60-70 games.