Calgary Flames Desperately Need a Starting Goaltender

Calgary Flames struggles continued on Friday night when they lost 6-2 against Montreal with Joni Ortio in net. He’s temporarily starting in place of injured Jonas Hiller, or at least that was the plan. The Flames recalled Karri Ramo from the AHL upon news of Hiller’s injury, and could have a shot at retaining the role he originally won to start 2015-16.

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The Calgary Flames have one of the better structured defense cores, even more so with T.J. Brodie healthy again. This was already one of the best defensive groups in the NHL in 2014-15, well before the acquisition of Dougie Hamilton. Yes some blame can be pointed at the team’s overall defensive play at times, but fact is, the goaltending has been atrocious.

Even though Hiller is only out short-term, we’ve seen enough to know he isn’t playing with that chip on his shoulder that motivated him last year. Between Jonas Hiller, Karri Ramo, and Jani Ortio, the goaltending statistics are as follows:

Jonas Hiller 6 games started, 2-3 3.67 GAA .861 save percentage
Karri Ramo 3 games started, 0-3 4.37 GAA .879 save percentage
Joni Ortio 2 games started, 0-2 4.26 GAA .868 save percentage

Oct 25, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Calgary Flames goaltender Jonas Hiller (1) makes a glove save is against the New York Rangers in the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

Just ask the Toronto Maple Leafs what bad goaltending can do to a result of a game. Luckily, Bernier was only struggling on the first shot of the game, which forced Toronto to fight back from deficits for a while. Since, Jonathan Bernier has managed to find his game. But imagine bad goaltending for an entire game, that must be demoralizing for even the best of teams.

GM Brad Treliving expressed in an interview lately that he wasn’t interested in dismantling his roster to address holes. But it’s clear now, the Calgary Flames need a starting goaltender, because the three they have aren’t good enough, and Jon Gillies and Mason McDonald aren’t quite ready.

Calgary Flames Most Logical Trade Options:

John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks

Sounds as though Anaheim is unwilling to part with their young netminder. Desperation due to current struggles could change that, but Calgary would have to be willing to move a decent roster player, which Treliving is apparently unwilling to do. Not impossible, but would require two GM’s to change their approach and thought process.

Calvin Pickard, Colorado Avalanche

Has the potential to be an NHL starter, and has looked superb in his short-stints with the Avalanche. With Semyon Varlamov around, there’s simply no room for Pickard, as limiting him to a backup role would be unfair. If you’re Calgary, you’d be rolling the dice on this young man hoping he pans out. On the upside, you could likely acquire him for prospects or a package including a bottom six forward (which Calgary has a plethora of).

Sep 22, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Minnesota Wild goalie

Niklas Backstrom

(32) makes a save during the second period against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

Nicklas Backstrom, Minnesota Wild

The 37-year-old long-time Wild goaltender is currently on the outside looking in with one year left on his deal. He’s the most expensive of all options, but he’d only be a rental for this season. If you believe Jon Gillies can compete next season for the starting gig, then perhaps this route is your best option. He’d likely come relatively cheap, as I’m sure Minnesota could use the cap relief.

Andrew Hammond, Ottawa Senators

Last thing Ottawa likely wants is another three-man goalie controversy, which based on preseason and Matt O’Connor‘s short NHL stint, could be on the horizon once again. If you’re the Calgary Flames, the target would be Hammond based on his NHL experience in relation to O’Connor (even though it’s not a big difference). From Ottawa’s point of view, you don’t want to destroy any of these goaltenders confidence, and trade value is still pretty high on Andrew Hammond. Ottawa wouldn’t necessarily even need roster players in return, prospects and draft picks would suffice.

Next: Anaheim Ducks Fans Have Good Reason to Panic

Matt Murray, Pittsburgh Penguins

Regarded as the best goaltender available without any NHL experience. Calgary would once again be rolling the dice if they chose this route. But, considering his AHL stats both last year and to begin 2015-16, it’s safe to assume that Murray has as legitimate of a chance as most of these guys to be a quality starter. Unfortunately, when you play in the shadows of Marc-Andre Fleury, opportunities to become that starter don’t exist in Pittsburgh. After shipping out a pair of quality prospects for Phil Kessel, the Pens could use some extra young talent down in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. They’re particularly weak on defense, and may be interested in Calgary Flames defensive prospects such as Tyler Wotherspoon, or a little further down the road prospect Rasmus Andersson.

Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning

First off, you have to convince GM Steve Yzerman to trade his talented young Russian goaltender. It’s unclear whether the future lies within Ben Bishop or Andrei Vasilevskiy, but one thing is certain, when Vasilevskiy is due for a pay raise, he’ll be seeking Bishop-type money. Tampa Bay simply can’t afford both long-term. Yes Dallas is getting away with nearly ten million dollars committed to two goalies, but even that relationship will be short-lived. Vasilevskiy is probably the best and most talented option available, although he’s also likely to carry the highest price tag. As a Flames fan, you’d have to be okay with sacrificing a first rounder, and likely a quality prospect or two. Might even have to throw in another player or draft pick.

Ondrej Pavelec, Winnipeg Jets (The Best/Preferred Option)

Oct 23, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec (31) makes a save during the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

This is an option that works well for both sides, with Winnipeg being in a very advantageous position with a rare luxury. It’s not very often that teams have a player who’s at their peak in value coming off a career-year, who at the same time could be sacrificed from the roster without disrupting team chemistry. Ondrej Pavelec carries a $3.9 million dollar cap hit, coming off a career-best season that helped carry the Jets into the postseason. He’s also once again off to a hot-start in 2015-16, along with counterpart Michael Hutchinson, who has been lights out to begin his sophomore season. Hutchinson had a good rookie season, and this year looks poised to stake his claim on the starter’s role.

Let’s not forget about young Connor Hellebuyck down in the AHL, who led Team USA to a bronze medal performance as the team MVP with outstanding stats at the World Championships. Realistically, Winnipeg could move forward with Michael Hutchinson and Connor Hellebuyck as their goaltenders, and the team wouldn’t blink. For Winnipeg, that extra money available on the cap could be used for a short-term rental down the stretch. Best of all, it’s an extra $3.9 million in cap space to work with to re-sign Andrew Ladd and Dustin Byfuglien. From the Flames point of view, you get a goaltender under contract for a few years that can serve as starter until one of Jon Gillies or Mason McDonald is ready. GM Brad Treliving would be wise to explore this option, if he wants any hope at avoiding the draft lottery.

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