Speculation: Are the Flames out on Talbot?

Since the end of the playoffs – even prior to that – there has been speculation that the Flames would consider a change in net, especially with discussion that free agent goalie Karri Ramo could walk to green pastures. But maybe things have changed?

Talbot trade watch continues. Expect he gets traded this week. Buf, Edmtn, SJ and Dallas in the mix. Great contract requires high return.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 22, 2015

We’ve already dove into what exactly Cam Talbot is at this point in his career. It’s incredibly reasonable to believe he also will be the next big goalie to step out from the backup role and become a starter. Oilers writer Woodguy55 did a phenomenal series of articles examining Talbot recently. Part one and two are quite excellent reads on assessing the hot commodity.

Several reports have swayed from a first-round pick to second-round picks and prospects. With the Rangers‘ cap situation of $11.5M to work with and the need to sign key RFAs, we know it’s very unlikely they would take on any salary. So it may very well have came down to Brad Treliving sensibly acknowledging that trading too many assets may prove costly for his team.

Or it could be all smoke and mirrors by the Flames’ part. There are still many suitable options on the market like Ottawa’s Robin Lehner, the Canucks‘ Eddie Lack, and a number of UFAs worth considering at the NHL level. All this is not to forget Joni Ortio, whose final year of his two-year deal signed last summer is one-way this year.

Jon Gillies is a potential heir to the crease if he continues to excel in net like he has. Mason McDonald, the Flames’ second-round pick from last year’s draft (34th overall) has put up respectable numbers in the high-scoring QMJHL, which could hopefully land him into the NHL in the future.

by Mike Pfeil