There has been speculation over the last few days that Brian Burke and the Toronto Maple Leafs have been in discussion with the Calgary Flames regarding netminder Miika Kiprusoff.

It is no secret that the Leafs are calling about goaltenders, as throughout much of the summer so far they have been the center of discussion with respect to goaltenders Roberto Luongo and Jonathan Bernier. Although it has been noted that the Maple Leafs may still speaking with the Vancouver Canucks, albeit not as much recently, it seems as though the disparity between what the Leafs want to pay for Luongo’s services, and further what Gillis wants in return is too large.

This ultimately means Brian Burke may need to address his need for an experienced goaltender, elsewhere. Jay Feaster has not once stated he was shopping, or even considered moving his current tender; however there seems to be a widely accepted notion that the Flames need to start selling their eldest assets for youth and future draft selections. Although there may be some truth to this, making the decision to take these steps and further following through with them is not a simple task.

Consider the above situation between the Leafs and the Flames to illustrate this very point. Although both organizations have identified their current needs (goaltending for Toronto and youth for Calgary), these teams are not viable trading partners to acquire such needs from each other.

In this writer’s opinion, both clubs have very similar needs. Both teams need more youth in their system, they both need a first line center and both arguably need a playoff appearance. While there is much speculation that the two teams may be discussing trade scenarios, I feel that given the similarity in needs from both sides, that there may be no real fit here. In addition to the above mentioned, the Calgary Flames have by no means played any of their prospective goaltenders enough to be able to properly assess whether or not they can afford to move their current starter.

The possible trade negotiations that are rumored to develop between the Flames and the Leafs provides an opportunity to further discuss the role of Flames GM, Jay Feaster, and his available options. We discussed earlier how Feaster may be receiving criticism that is unwarranted due to the amount of time spent as GM so far, and this discussion provides a further assessment.

After yesterday’s blog discussing Feasters unfair critiquing, many still argued that the Flames GM should have had sold off his valuable assets and begun reconstruction earlier. As I’ve expressed a few times, I feel this is much easier said than done. Given the limited amount of time Feaster has been in his position, the moves he has made thus far have allowed him to begin deconstructing the roster put together by his predecessor. At this point, Feaster finally has the ability to assert his own vision. He currently holds two, if not three valued assets who could bring in much needed youth and are likely not part of his plans beyond two or three years.

Although it is very easy for the media, analysts, and fans alike to emphasize the need to unload the club’s assets and rebuild, it takes a lot more patience and proper timing to do so. While Feaster may want to move said contracts, it does not mean that other GM’s are willing to give him what he wants or needs. Feaster is an intelligent hockey administrator with experience, and claiming that he is unaware of the team’s current strengths and weaknesses would be foolish.

The ad hoc approach of taking the best options currently available, and simply hoping for the best would be an inefficient method that would hinder the team in the long run. Feaster needed a full year to formulate his vision, and it will take even more time to find the right deals that will facilitate his objectives for the team.

To date, Feaster has let contracts walk out the door that were not part of his future plans. He has brought in a new coach and extra personnel. He is moving forward, but this isn’t going to be an overnight transformation, nor will he make huge moves right away to appease the fans.

When the need for guys like Kiprusoff are high enough that GMs like Brian Burke will pay a hefty price, and further when teams become desperate, then he may decide to move them. But to think the Flames need to sell all their assets to the highest bidder because they have been a playoff bubble teams for a few years is by no means good advice.

For the time being, the Flames do not need to shop their assets around the NHL for the sake of shopping them. Patience is something that needs to be exercised by this new GM, and for the fans of his team.


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