Flames re-sign UFA goaltender Karri Ramo

It all but seemed the Calgary Flames were looking to other goaltending options this coming season, with Ramo on the out. After pursuing the likes of Cam Talbot (now an Oiler), it appears, at this point, the Flames are settling with the same tandem from this past season.

The Flames re-signed Karri Ramo to a one-year, $3.8M deal which has raised some eyebrows. Ramo was a likely target for teams like San Jose, though they managed to shore up goaltending in Kings Bruins goalie Martin Jones. This brings the total cost in the crease for 2015-16 to $8.3M across both goalies. Of course, this likely means Joni Ortio may need to wait even longer.

Small correction: Karri’s Ramo extension is for $3.8M, not $3.9M.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 1, 2015

Given the uncertainty at times this season, with either goalie shouldering the load, going with a tandem can work. Ramo posted a modest 15-9-3 record in 34 games played with a .912 SV% in the regular season. In seven playoff games, Ramo compiled a 2-3-1 record with a .906 SV%, splitting time with Jonas Hiller. The 29-year-old gets a slight raise, as his previous two-year deal signed in July of 2013 carried a $2.75M AAV.

This deal immediately raises more questions than answers. First and foremost, now begins speculation of Hiller's future. With one year left on the two-year deal he signed after leaving Anaheim, he could become a target by next season's trade deadline. Of course, Joni Ortio is heading into the last year of a bridge contract. Many fans expected Ortio to be backing up Hiller this fall.

In all likelihood, it's possible deals with other teams never came to be for Ramo, and he had to settle in Calgary. It's not terrible, especially with the team's progress this summer already. It may be safer for his career, with a potential of clawing more games away from Hiller to remain a Flame.

Fans of Ramo should be excited, and a number of M&G writers love what he accomplished this season. Check out our report card on Karri Ramo and some highlight level work from him.

by Mike Pfeil