Todd Cordell: Are The Flames Considering Changes In Goal?

I don't see any significant improvement available out there that won't cost them more than they should be paying right now at this stage of a re-build. Right now Goaltending isn't the priority at all.

I say they try to re-sign Ramo, ideally before the draft. If they can't then obviously keep Hiller. Then next season they run with whichever they keep and Joni Ortio, and it will be another year of Hartley being the goaltender whisperer going 1A and 1B for starts.

If they can re-sign Ramo, then trade Hiller now. Again ideally at the draft as part of a package to maybe move up a few spots. If they weren't tight on cap issues, maybe the Flyers or Sharks could use some assistance in this area. Maybe take on a bigger contract back from them as well.

I think right now the main plan is to see how John Gilles pans out next year in the AHL. But he is the current future goaltending plan.

I don't see any significant improvement available out there that won't cost them more than they should be paying right now at this stage of a re-build. Right now Goaltending isn't the priority at all.

I say they try to re-sign Ramo, ideally before the draft. If they can't then obviously keep Hiller. Then next season they run with whichever they keep and Joni Ortio, and it will be another year of Hartley being the goaltender whisperer going 1A and 1B for starts.

If they can re-sign Ramo, then trade Hiller now. Again ideally at the draft as part of a package to maybe move up a few spots. If they weren't tight on cap issues, maybe the Flyers or Sharks could use some assistance in this area. Maybe take on a bigger contract back from them as well.

I think right now the main plan is to see how John Gilles pans out next year in the AHL. But he is the current future goaltending plan.
- dal_johnson

I agree re: not trading for a goalie. Hiller posted solid numbers and is under contract at a reasonable price. Trading assets and potentially taking a step back between the pipes in the process doesn't make much sense.

I agree re: not trading for a goalie. Hiller posted solid numbers and is under contract at a reasonable price. Trading assets and potentially taking a step back between the pipes in the process doesn't make much sense.
- ToddCordellCGY

Last season was a great success for this team. But the bigger picture and the fact that it is only year 2 of the re-build has to be always kept in mind.

Unless a re-building team already has a top tier goaltender to build around then I believe that it the last piece to address. It gives the team a chance to really access their young talent (John Gilles), or when the time comes make a true run at an UFA or a trade to get that higher level goaltender.

Making any sort of trade or UFA move now is really only filling a short term hole that is already filled by Hiller or Ramo.

would love to see them move Hiller. Sign Ramo. Ortio mixes in some starts as a backup....bridge with these two for a year or two.
Ortio then takes over while mentoring Gillies until Gillies is ready for the full time job.

Here's my proposal:

15th Overall and Jonas Hiller to the Sharks for 9th Overall.

That may be a pretty big jump up in the draft (6 spots) so would probably take some tweaking. With that I have no problem in parting with say Markus Granlund as I honestly don't see a future spot for him on the Flames (He's not a 4th line center and he will not slot ahead of Monahan, Bennett, or Backlund). Or add in one of their 2nd round picks.

From there at the draft that puts the Flames in a perfect spot to get either a real defensive prospect or a Power Forward.

It is pretty safe to assume that the top 5 in the draft will be McDavid, Eichel, Strome, Marner, and Hanifin. That leaves players like Provorov and Werenski for defensemen, and Crouse, Rantanen, and Meier around as Power forwards. Picking at 9th would mean that at worst two of those 5 players will still be available.

My personal preferences are Werenski or Crouse as perfect draft picks for the Flames.

I wouldnt be surprised if they don't trade Hiller given their "winning" mentality. Remember, while the Flames are still being projected as falling off due to "sustainability", they still have much to prove and I doubt if they take any steps back from what they've created/developed so far.

Ramo is looking for to be a started. Period. Therefore I say if he resigns with Cal Hiller will be traded because Ramo isn't going play another year as 1A, 1B tandem.
This is his last chance to become a starter and he gets paid better in KHL than as back up in NHL.

Ference for Hiller

This only really makes sense if CGY is looking to trade Hiller to an organization looking to dump a bigger contract giving CGY another, you get asset at the same time. Whats Backstrom's contract in MIN? WHat about Back and Granlund (seems to have difficulty signing) or Coyle for Hiller and Colborne or something along those lines?

As for Marcotte, may e the though though that he can score with talent on the same line. Maybe a future Mony, Gaudreau line with him as the finisher? Either way, i like the no risk signing.

This only really makes sense if CGY is looking to trade Hiller to an organization looking to dump a bigger contract giving CGY another, you get asset at the same time. Whats Backstrom's contract in MIN? WHat about Back and Granlund (seems to have difficulty signing) or Coyle for Hiller and Colborne or something along those lines?

As for Marcotte, may e the though though that he can score with talent on the same line. Maybe a future Mony, Gaudreau line with him as the finisher? Either way, i like the no risk signing.
- TandA4Flames

With respect to Marcotte, the tweet says he came to an agreement/contract with the minor league team, so, the Heat. Not sounding like he'll see too much time with the big club.

I don't know how our Goaltending next year could possibly include neither Hiller or Ramo... There's no reason to trade for a guy with Ortio and Gillies in the wings, and the UFA options aren't any better than the guys we already have...

I'm all for shopping Hiller to teams like Dallas and San Jose to see what you might get for an asset with a year left under contract, but are the UFA options really any better than Ramo?

Here's my proposal:

15th Overall and Jonas Hiller to the Sharks for 9th Overall.

That may be a pretty big jump up in the draft (6 spots) so would probably take some tweaking. With that I have no problem in parting with say Markus Granlund as I honestly don't see a future spot for him on the Flames (He's not a 4th line center and he will not slot ahead of Monahan, Bennett, or Backlund). Or add in one of their 2nd round picks.

From there at the draft that puts the Flames in a perfect spot to get either a real defensive prospect or a Power Forward.

It is pretty safe to assume that the top 5 in the draft will be McDavid, Eichel, Strome, Marner, and Hanifin. That leaves players like Provorov and Werenski for defensemen, and Crouse, Rantanen, and Meier around as Power forwards. Picking at 9th would mean that at worst two of those 5 players will still be available.

My personal preferences are Werenski or Crouse as perfect draft picks for the Flames.
- dal_johnson

I like the idea of this, especially with the argument of the players that will be available there, but Granlund probably isn't going to get it done for the Sharks. They have 4 Centers that each make $6M+ under contract for at least 2 more years, and 4 or 5 others listed a Centers to add to that. I know the challenge really is figuring out who actually plays what position when listed as a center, but they certainly don't need to add another. Unfortunately, the Sharks have an excess of center depth and a need for good defense players and prospects, as well as wingers.

They are a good target for moving Hiller to, and also for relieving them of a bigger contract, If they take Hiller's $4.5 M, they will need to shed $ to fit him in, which doesn't translate to us moving up to the #9 spot. I think the opportunity is there to move up to #9, or to deal Hiller there, but not both. Getting to 9 from 15 would probably take one of the 2nds, + a roster winger or defenseman the price won't be cheap.

I don't know how our Goaltending next year could possibly include neither Hiller or Ramo... There's no reason to trade for a guy with Ortio and Gillies in the wings, and the UFA options aren't any better than the guys we already have...

I'm all for shopping Hiller to teams like Dallas and San Jose to see what you might get for an asset with a year left under contract, but are the UFA options really any better than Ramo?
- jtommyt

If there's a deal to be done to move Hiller to either of these 2 I'd be ecstatic. Especially if it could be accompanied with a Ramo signing of 3-4 years to set up the goaltending path for this team. A succession of Ramo/Ortio tandem that can transition to an Ortio/Gilles combo down the road.

Ramo is looking for to be a started. Period. Therefore I say if he resigns with Cal Hiller will be traded because Ramo isn't going play another year as 1A, 1B tandem.
This is his last chance to become a starter and he gets paid better in KHL than as back up in NHL.
- OnIceEnforcer

Listen to his exit interview, where he's asked if he would want to be the starter for sure if he came back. He said (something very close to)"Of course I want to play every game, what player doesn't? But I have never told a team that they have to play me more or demanded anything. It's my job to go out there every game and prove it, and earn another start, and that's what I do. I prepare every game the same way and practice the same way, if I'm starting, backing up, or playing in a tandem. The coach has to play who he thinks gives the team the best chance to win. I have to prove that's me"

Listen to his exit interview, where he's asked if he would want to be the starter for sure if he came back. He said (something very close to)"Of course I want to play every game, what player doesn't? But I have never told a team that they have to play me more or demanded anything. It's my job to go out there every game and prove it, and earn another start, and that's what I do. I prepare every game the same way and practice the same way, if I'm starting, backing up, or playing in a tandem. The coach has to play who he thinks gives the team the best chance to win. I have to prove that's me"
- InSutterWeTrust

Wow, that is a perfect response from a player.

Listen to his exit interview, where he's asked if he would want to be the starter for sure if he came back. He said (something very close to)"Of course I want to play every game, what player doesn't? But I have never told a team that they have to play me more or demanded anything. It's my job to go out there every game and prove it, and earn another start, and that's what I do. I prepare every game the same way and practice the same way, if I'm starting, backing up, or playing in a tandem. The coach has to play who he thinks gives the team the best chance to win. I have to prove that's me"
- InSutterWeTrust

I like Ramo even though Hiller stats were better. I would love it if we resign him & deal with the 3 headed monster by Oct 1. Ortio hasn't proven anything at the NHL level, but really hasn't had the chance. We certainly don't need to bring in a 4th goalie, given we have 3 now that we can easily & comfortably start next season with. If we can use Hiller with our 15th to move up, I would be down with that. No value in goalies right now. it sucks, they are more of a trade deadline commodity.

I like the idea of this, especially with the argument of the players that will be available there, but Granlund probably isn't going to get it done for the Sharks. They have 4 Centers that each make $6M+ under contract for at least 2 more years, and 4 or 5 others listed a Centers to add to that. I know the challenge really is figuring out who actually plays what position when listed as a center, but they certainly don't need to add another. Unfortunately, the Sharks have an excess of center depth and a need for good defense players and prospects, as well as wingers.

They are a good target for moving Hiller to, and also for relieving them of a bigger contract, If they take Hiller's $4.5 M, they will need to shed $ to fit him in, which doesn't translate to us moving up to the #9 spot. I think the opportunity is there to move up to #9, or to deal Hiller there, but not both. Getting to 9 from 15 would probably take one of the 2nds, + a roster winger or defenseman the price won't be cheap.
- InSutterWeTrust

The Sharks do already have 17 players signed for next season and almost 16 million available in Cap space. If they took Hiller that puts them at about 11 million left with 5 holes to fill. Most of their top spots (where more expensive guys would go) are already filled. So any signings that they do won't be huge contracts. The Flames can also offer to retain part of Hiller's salary to sweeten the deal. Flames could also offer them some Cap Relief by taking a bad contract back as they have tons of room.

Granlund may not be the guy to go because of his position. Maybe Shore who can play the Wing.

Maybe something upwards of 15th over all, Hiller (possibly retain some salary), 53rd overall, and Granlund or Shore for 9th overall in return.

Looking at it, it seems that something minor could be added coming back. But if it can get one of those upper defensemen or power forwards in the draft then I am more then happy with this trade.

I also wonder about Philadelphia as they are so tight against the cap, and may look at last season as an anomaly and not want to wait on a draft pick to develop. Could take a larger contract back from them to help with their cap situation.

Colorado may also look at last season as an anomaly. Do they really need another draft pick to develop with all their young talent. They need help on the back end, and Wideman may be a great fit there. Very similar thoughts with Columbus.

There are options available that make a lot of sense for teams to trade away their pick due to their situation and current goals. The problems is that perceived value of these picks usually means that they are asking for he world, and not willing to give in on the price. So nothing gets done and neither team makes real strides forward.

I like Ramo even though Hiller stats were better. I would love it if we resign him & deal with the 3 headed monster by Oct 1. Ortio hasn't proven anything at the NHL level, but really hasn't had the chance. We certainly don't need to bring in a 4th goalie, given we have 3 now that we can easily & comfortably start next season with. If we can use Hiller with our 15th to move up, I would be down with that. No value in goalies right now. it sucks, they are more of a trade deadline commodity.
- Kevin R

Ortio did have that 6 (I think it was 6) game winning streak in the middle of the season then Ramo was hurt. Only reason he got sent down is because he was the only one on a 2 way contract and didn't have to clear waivers. That's a real step to proving something to me.

Ortio did have that 6 (I think it was 6) game winning streak in the middle of the season then Ramo was hurt. Only reason he got sent down is because he was the only one on a 2 way contract and didn't have to clear waivers. That's a real step to proving something to me.
- dal_johnson

I fully expect Ortio to win the starting job next season... not from the opening day, but by the end of the year. I like Ramo as his backup more than Hiller as a backup though.

I fully expect Ortio to win the starting job next season... not from the opening day, but by the end of the year. I like Ramo as his backup more than Hiller as a backup though.
- jtommyt

Yup. Ortio and Gillies are the future. Ramo/Hiller are stopgaps. I'd flip Hiller or Ramo for a pick(whoever gets the highest offer).

Yup. Ortio and Gillies are the future. Ramo/Hiller are stopgaps. I'd flip Hiller or Ramo for a pick(whoever gets the highest offer).
- Nucker101

Yup, assuming Ramo re-signs here,I totally agree

Ference for Hiller
- LittleRicky

Dont start something... I could see the flames going hard on the UFA front his year, they have the money, and lots of guys on the market the flames could add to the wing.

I'm still not convinced that Ortio is or will ever be better than Ramo. I really have no idea what Ortio's value is but since they also have Gilles coming up, I'd like to see them trade Ortio for a high end prospect if they're able and resign Ramo.

I'm still not convinced that Ortio is or will ever be better than Ramo. I really have no idea what Ortio's value is but since they also have Gilles coming up, I'd like to see them trade Ortio for a high end prospect if they're able and resign Ramo.
- Hunkulese

Terrible idea