The Calgary Flames really should be showing some interest in the Anaheim Ducks goaltending pool, given the emergence of John Gibson as a starting tender at the Pond.
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Justin Cuthbert of theScore reported recently that either Frederik Andersen or Anton Khudobin could be available on the trade market and it may well be the ideal time for the Calgary Flames to strike.
John Gibson has emerged in impressive form as a starting goaltender in the NHL and given that both men come off the Ducks books as free agents at the season’s end, now is the time to strike.
Whilst Karri Ramo has managed to hold his own after finding some form, the Calgary Flames are still leaking far too many goals and likewise, Jonas Hiller hasn’t manged to score enough time between the pipes to find anywhere near last year’s form.
Gone too is the option of promoting the any goaltenders seen as the future of the Calgary Flames franchise, as Bob Hartley proved unwilling to give Joni a decent run and Jon Gillies recently went down with a serious injury, requiring surgery.
Of the Anaheim pair, Frederik Andersen should be the one pursued most heavily; however with a cap hit of just over $1,000,000 there isn’t much chance of him coming cheaply. A more than capable 26-year-old goaltender is a hot commodity in the NHL and with a save percentage of .914 and goals against average of 2.54 for the year so far, he’s definitely a first choice goalie.
Anton Khudobin, on the other hand has a higher cap hit and likely could be acquired a little cheaper. He’s three years Andersen’s senior and although he is still a better choice than Karri Ramo, doesn’t improve as impressively upon the current option.
The fear is if the Calgary Flames were to approach their conference rival, what the cost would be. Anaheim know that they can charge a significant price to a team, in their own conference, that is in desperate need of improved goaltending and likely wouldn’t settle for a small deal.
For the Calgary Flames, any decision really marks how serious the organisation is about rebuilding; a big deal for Andersen suggests they’re still building towards the future given his age, but they’d likely have to give up some current talents and future considerations to do so.
A move for Khudobin, on the other hand, suggests a mentality of wanting a fix right now and not much more. In which case, they’d almost be better off sticking with a tender in decent form – Ramo, and a backup that can bring it when really challenged to – Hiller.
Of course, they’re holding on to the hope that Jon Gillies develops into the new back-stop for years to come and they don’t need to hit the marketplace; but as has been seen many times before, the development of players isn’t a perfect science.
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What do you think; should the Calgary Flames pursue either of the Ducks goaltenders? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.