The Calgary Flames could offer a solution to reports that the Florida Panthers are seeking a goaltender, as they make a push for the play-offs.
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Reports in The New York Post suggested that the Florida Panthers were considering a deal for Edmonton Oilers goaltender, Cam Talbot at the NHL Entry Draft. With the recent trade of Ben Scrivens to the Montreal Canadiens, it seems unlikely the Oilers will offload another goaltender.
This is where the Calgary Flames could be clever; they have one too many goaltenders in their system and the Florida Panthers could likely offer some sort of offensive threat or draft pick in return.
The big questions is whether Calgary Flames goaltenders Jonas Hiller or Joni Ortio make for a better option than current Florida Panthers backup, Al Montoya, and whether financially any deal for either of the Calgary Flames duo makes sense.
For the Calgary Flames, there are definitely certain players in the Panthers setup that would be good fits in Calgary; however given the youth of the core of their setup, it’s unlikely just a spare goaltender would be enough to produce a fair deal.
Then of course comes the question, is Jonas Hiller or Joni Ortio a better deal?
Based on ESPN statistics, 30 year old Montoya is projected to finish the year with a goals against average of 1.79 – very solid numbers indeed. Calgary Flames backup Jonas Hiller, by comparison is 3 years older and is projected to finish with a 3.76 goals against average.
Joni Ortio’s statistics aren’t much better based on his earlier season form whilst with the Calgary Flames; though he is the younger option so has some upside if the Florida Panthers were to consider a move there.
The deal may have been likely earlier in the year, but right now all signs point to ‘no deal’.
In fact, it just seems to be a rumor being thrown out there by The New York Post, especially given the Florida Panthers head coach’s recent feedback on Montoya; “Montoya has been great all year. It has been great to see him go in there and battle and play hard,” said Gallant.
Of course, never say never and given the goaltender merry-go-round may have started moving with the Canadiens pick-up of Scrivens, but I’d say that the Calgary Flames would gain much more if the Florida Panthers come knocking.
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Can you see the Calgary Flames dealing with the Florida Panthers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.