Rittich Signs

Big Save Dave did not look like he was going to sign before the arbitration hearing. But in his own words, the work got done overnight. Boy, do I feel foolish; I was under the assumption that it was not going to happen.   Well, the Flames didn't think it was going to happen, but you never know!  One thing I have learned while covering the Flames is to expect the unexpected.

So what went right?  Rittich knew he would get a one- or two-year deal. So Dave went down to two years from his three-year stance. The Flames then upped their offer to $2.75 mm for two years. Presto, we have a deal! My source said no big deal; sometimes things get done.

It seems that most people are quite happy about this deal. Rittich was asking $3-3.5 mm. Nice to see the Flames up their offer to $2.75 mm. Big Save Dave has earned his coin. I'm glad Rittich signed two years instead of one.  About the only downside is that the Flames get no UFA years.

That likely means that the Flames think Parsons is close to being ready. He has two years to become NHL ready. Rittich might be willing to stay longer, but the Flames may have to pay the piper unless they are confident in the progress of Parsons.

So what does this mean for Talbot?  I don't think it will mean much. The Flames will be going with a 1A and 1B combo. They seem to feel it is working to a rested goalie going into the playoffs.

WHAT'S NEXT? WHAT ARE THEIR OPTIONS?

The team has to do another deal to make room for the Tkachuk signing. They do have options. First, there is the trading of TJ Brodie. The second option IS using the second buyout window. The likely choice is Michael Stone. The second buyout window closes Thursday, August 1 at 3 pm. The Flames do not want to use that option but may be forced to go that route. Another option is trading Michael Frolik. Michael Frolik's major problem is his cap hit. The Flames feel that his term reduces that; I beg to differ, but only time will tell. Every team can use Frolik. He is an excellent penalty killer and a third liner; just not at $4,300,000. In my opinion, it will be easier to trade number one defencemen  TJ Brodie at $4,650,400. Teams foam at the mouth to get a chance at a number one or two defensemen.  

Now there are other options, but they are too radical to consider. The Flames could look at trading Janko. I would hate to lose him because he has so much potential.  They have no interest in trading Gaudreau unless someone blows their mind.