Calgary Flames Monday Roundtable: Goaltending Edition

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Feb 28, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames goalie Chad Johnson (31) guards his net during the warmup period against the Los Angeles Kings at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

Question 2: Should the Calgary Flames keep Chad Johnson as a backup or just let him go?

Jonathan Boulanger

I think Chad Johnson is a fantastic choice as a backup because he is stable (apart from a few minor hiccups) and even carried the ball as the #1 for a solid period of time. He’s a homegrown guy and shouldn’t be too expensive unless someone else wants to snatch him as a starter which is unlikely.

Alex Hoegler

Assuming another team doesn’t overpay for Johnson’s services (and I doubt anyone will), the Calgary Flames should look to keep Johnson. In my opinion, he was the best Flames goalie all season long.

With an 18-15-1 record, Johnson played better than most backups this season. If Calgary can ink him on a two-year deal worth around $5 million, they should keep him.

Dan Raicevich

This is a tough call, but I also feel that Johnson should walk as well. His ceiling as a goaltender is already reached, and that is a backup goaltender. He will not push a quality starting goaltender to that brink, and I feel like the Flames could look to other options for a backup. Whether it is another veteran or from within the organization. Long term does not seem viable for the Calgary native.

Ramina Shlah

I agree with Jonathan and Alex in this case (sorry Dan). Keeping Johnson as a backup and like Alex said, the Flames can definitely keep him at a good price. He was a valuable player and was a big reason the Calgary Flames even made the playoffs.

When Elliott needed time to find his game again, Johnson was the unsuspecting hometown hero the team needed in November and December. Keeping him as a backup would be a good move for the team and they can maybe finally get that consistent goaltending they need.

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