The Goalie Panel

 

Today, Dearen and I address the goaltending tandem for next season.

Randy

First of all, let me say ahead of time I have nothing to do with Rittich. I know that's a weird way to start, but I wanted to get that out in the open right away.

The Flames could explore many more options. The goalie market is wide open. The big two are Holtby and Lehner. Holtby does not impress me at all with his showing with the Capitals. He's about as consistent as a three dollar bill. Let me say no thanks. 

Robin Lehner is another name that could attract some interest. The main problem with Lehner is the cap. Robin will want the bank and a couple of Islands along with it. The Flames are not in the real estate business again; no thanks. In a perfect world, I am sure the Flames would love to bring him aboard, but they can't. 

The bottom line is the Flames really don't have too many options. The two biggest names, Holtby and Lehner, can't be had. The others I could go into are not in Talbot's league. This is based on what Talbot has done in the playoffs. He has not been human. 

That leads me to Rittich. Is he willing to take a lesser role? I know what you are going to say. He has no choice. And you are right. That being said, if he becomes unhappy with his role, he might become a hindrance instead of a team player. The Flames may have to explore the option of trading Rittich. 

The Flames will explore, but in the end, they will go back to Talbot and Rittich. They are not going to find anything better. 

Dearen 

Here is my partner in crime. You can follow Dearen on Twitter at Jasta28.

Who should be the Flames goalie duo next season?

Currently, Cam Talbot is playing some of the best hockey of his career. Once again, covering a poor showing by Monahan and Gaudreau. However, let's not fall in love and crown Talbot with the starter's job for next season or even discuss a long term deal for Cam Talbot. Has Talbot earned a new contract? Yes, yes, he has, but that contract may not be with the Calgary Flames. 

During the COVID shutdown, Cam Talbot went public in a few interviews and shared that he is comfortable and very happy in Calgary. He even said that he would love to sign a new deal in with the Flames. His current play will motivate him and bring his confidence to where he believes he deserves the number one job. But are there enough teams out there willing to sign a 32-year-old net-minder one year removed from a bad season to a multi-year deal with a guarantee he is the number one? I doubt it, especially with the absence of a salary cap increase. 

I do believe Cam Talbot has earned a raise, and he will likely make more than $2.750M next season. The goalie market heading into free agency looks to offer some intriguing options for teams. Names to mention with age: Braden Holtby (30), Robin Lehner (28), Jacob Markstrom (30), Anton Khudobin (34), and Thomas Greiss (34), among others including Cam Talbot. The big name that jumps out is Braden Holtby. Lloydminster born, Western Hockey Leaguer and Stanley Cup winner Braden Holtby. Robin Lehner is close behind. Should the Flames sign either Holtby or Lehner, I would feel a lot more confident heading into a season than the start of this past season with Rittich and Talbot. 

I've seen some comments where people believe David Rittich will be moved and that Rittich cannot handle the wear and tear of a full NHL season. Some of the criticism is fair, but Rittich, who turns 28 in a few days, is a young 28-year-old net-minder. Rittich is still learning the game and still learning how to best train his body to endure a heavy NHL season. I would be shocked and disappointed if the Flames make Rittich available and move on. I think Rittich's best playing days are still ahead of him. In today's NHL, where you need a goalie tandem, I would be more comfortable with a Holtby/Rittich, Lehner/Rittich or Talbot/Rittich tandem than other options that do not include Rittich. 

My prediction is that Cam Talbot comes back on a one-year deal, perhaps a two-year deal to bring the average cap hit down, and we move forward with a Talbot and Rittich tandem for next season. I believe Holtby will be too rich for the Flames, and although Lehner would be a welcome addition, I think the Flames will go with what they know and the more affordable option and our current bubble MVP Cam Talbot returns.