On the Calgary Flames …
Eric Francis of the Calgary Flames: The Flames will need to re-sign pending RFAs Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan this offseason, but GM Brad Treliving main priority is to find a starting goalie.
“No ifs, ands or buts,” agreed Treliving.
“We will leave no stone unturned and see where we go. It’s obviously a critical position and we’ll cast a wide net.”
The Flames could be scouting Europe for a starter. Joni Ortio has played well of late, but he could be used more in a backup role.
10 candidates that the Flames could look at
Ben Bishop – has one year left at $5.95 million and could look for $8 or $9 million on the open market. The Flames could offer up picks or a package of picks and a young player.
Mike Smith – could be the best fit. Three years left at $5.66 million. GM Brad Treliving was with the Coyotes before moving on to the Flames.
Frederik Andersen – pending RFA is the Ducks No. 1 at the moment, but John Gibson is their goalie of the future.
James Reimer – pending UFA as never started more than 35 games in a season. He denied asking for $6 million a season.
Cam Ward – pending UFA grew up in Sherwood Park Alberta and played three years in Red Deer.
Jimmy Howard – 31-year old has three years left at $5.29 million.
Karri Ramo – 29-year old pending UFA said “it’s not the worst option,” when asked if he would consider re-signing with the Flames.
Anders Lindback – the 27-year old pending UFA as bounced around the past few years.
Ryan Miller – the 35-year old has one year left at $6 million. If the Flames are looking for a one year stop gap while Jon Gillies matures, Miller could be an option.
On Ilya Kovalchuk …
Slava Malamud: Ilya Kovalchuk has lost his captaincy and has been benched again. Have to wonder how this is not the end of the line for Kovalchuk with SKA.
Slava Malamud: Have to put the chances of Kovalchuk having his contract terminated with SKA at above 50 percent. It’s still unlikely that he immediately comes back to the NHL.
Slava Malamud: Two things from the Kovalchuk-SKA saga: “1) Plenty of mutual resentment between him and coach, 2) He isn’t missed by the team. At all.”