1) How does adding a fourth mediocre goaltender make your organization more competitive?

The last thing a rebuilding organization needs is an inconsistent mid level goalie with a brutal attitude.

Honestly, I can't think a worse fit for the flames in net.
- Barx

1) Your opinion.
2) Who's to say he hasnt learnt from his experience in Philly? ie. Take it down a few notches.

The markef for goal tenders has been pretty weak. So trying to move Bryz for anything of value may prove difficult. There are still other options out there so I don't think there is any good reason to rush out and sign a goalie in case none of goalies are able to keep us competitive. Give our guys a 1/4 of the season to see if 1 of them rises to the challenge. If not, then CGY can go out and sign 1 of these guys.
- TandA4Flames

But the thought is that you sign Bryz to something cheaper for two years, give him a chance to compete and possibly reestablish himself and make it easier on Ramo/Berra/Gillies.

If things work in your favor you could likely move Bryz with a low caphit for any asset which would be acquired for nothing but money.

Good solid debate (its been dead in here guys!)

1) Your opinion.
2) Who's to say he hasnt learnt from his experience in Philly? ie. Take it down a few notches.
- Colin Dambrauskas

Why would you want Bryz anyways... Berra is going to win the Vezna

I think the biggest issue with bringing Bryz on to a developing team with young goaltenders is that fact that he brings nothing to the mentor/leadership department. The guy is a notoriously selfish teammates who has had run-ins with players in the past. And his relationship (or lack there of) with fellow countryman, Bobrovsky, was a contributing factor (I believe) in the young goaltender being moved. Bryz does not take well to competition. Bryz does not take losing well. There's only so many times he can play behind a struggling team before opening his mouth to throw someone under the bus. And there's always the threat that he could poison the mind of Ramo and/or Berra.

I think Macdonald, despite not having the resume of Bryz, would have a much better impact on a young team. And I think that's a major reason why Bryz has received almost no interest from any NHL teams. Steer clear Flames.
- phillyphanatic

Good points

1) Your opinion.
2) Who's to say he hasnt learnt from his experience in Philly? ie. Take it down a few notches.
- Colin Dambrauskas

1) yes it is...that's the idea on an opinion based thread. You have yours, I have mine.
2)cause he isn't a youngster. he has been a pain in the ass everywhere he has been including overseas.

...but I can add a fact to our difference of opinions.
Bryzgalov is not a good goalie.

Colin Dambrauskas: Ilya Bryzgalov with the Calgary Flames?
- Colin Dambrauskas

Since the Flames are almost a lock to be a lottery team this year why not sign Bryz? He'll at least provide some comic relief during what may be a painful season for Flames fans.

Since the Flames are almost a lock to be a lottery team this year why not sign Bryz? He'll at least provide some comic relief during what may be a painful season for Flames fans.
- BiggE

That too...might give me something interesting to write about from time to time!

Since the Flames are almost a lock to be a lottery team this year why not sign Bryz? He'll at least provide some comic relief during what may be a painful season for Flames fans.
- BiggE

That might be the only logical reason I could think of for them to sign him.

1) yes it is...that's the idea on an opinion based thread. You have yours, I have mine.
2)cause he isn't a youngster. he has been a pain in the ass everywhere he has been including overseas.

...but I can add a fact to our difference of opinions.
Bryzgalov is not a good goalie.
- Barx

Dont think hes a great goalie, but he bodes well in a good defensive system which I wholeheartedly expect from Hartley this season.

Berra isnt really in discussion this year with Ramo and Macdonald being the guys...if Ramo really craps the bed then they give Berra a shot.

This whole discussion was to consider possible (moving) Macdonald and letting Ramo and a guy like Bryz fight it out. Nothing changes with respect to Berra.

And not to say that I want to move MacDonald either, cause hes a good option for backup but in these dog days of summer its a decent convo I think. Joey Mac could have some value to a few teams wanting a solid option for a #2.
- Colin Dambrauskas

I'm not blowing off Berra to make the big club out of camp. If he shows well I see little hesitstion out if CGY to go with the 3 headed monster. Ramo is there regardless of how good or bad his camp showing is. Same with J Mac.

But the thought is that you sign Bryz to something cheaper for two years, give him a chance to compete and possibly reestablish himself and make it easier on Ramo/Berra/Gillies.

If things work in your favor you could likely move Bryz with a low caphit for any asset which would be acquired for nothing but money.


- Colin Dambrauskas

Is that worth drafting a few or more slots lower in the draft the next two years? In my opinion no, not when the Flames will be challenging for the top pick the next two years. There's talent in the Flames system, but not enough yet to truly make this team competitive. They need a couple of potential studs, which they won't get by continuing the "win as many games as possible every year even if we'll still stink" mentality that put them in the position to even have this discussion in the first place.

Enjoy the blogs, even if we disagree. ;-)

Is that worth drafting a few or more slots lower in the draft the next two years? In my opinion no, not when the Flames will be challenging for the top pick the next two years. There's talent in the Flames system, but not enough yet to truly make this team competitive. They need a couple of potential studs, which they won't get by continuing the "win as many games as possible every year even if we'll still stink" mentality that put them in the position to even have this discussion in the first place.

Enjoy the blogs, even if we disagree. ;-)
- Quetzalcoatl

100 percent agree

I'm not blowing off Berra to make the big club out of camp. If he shows well I see little hesitstion out if CGY to go with the 3 headed monster. Ramo is there regardless of how good or bad his camp showing is. Same with J Mac.
- TandA4Flames

Agreed.

Is that worth drafting a few or more slots lower in the draft the next two years? In my opinion no, not when the Flames will be challenging for the top pick the next two years. There's talent in the Flames system, but not enough yet to truly make this team competitive. They need a couple of potential studs, which they won't get by continuing the "win as many games as possible every year even if we'll still stink" mentality that put them in the position to even have this discussion in the first place.

Enjoy the blogs, even if we disagree. ;-)
- Quetzalcoatl

perhaps you guys misunderstood. With this roster, if Ramo doesnt provide (at least) average goaltending, they could have a lot of bad games with the teams in their conference. Calgary (does not) want to create a losing environment with players still developing on their roster. Its a recipe for future disaster.

The whole point to this blog was to consider bringing in a guy like Bryz to ensure that he or Ramo support the team enough that they dont get shelled every night. Gives time for Ramo to establish himself, gives time for Berra to further develop, and doesnt cause utter chaos if Ramo fails.

Worst case is Bryz goes back to his ways or is no better than Ramo. No big deal. Best case is Bryz establishes himself and Ramo competes right there with him and the Flames now have two tenders who they could look into moving for move pieces.

Bryz/Ramo playing great (alone) wouldnt move this team out of bottom 5 draft selection...lets be real. It wont be a pretty year in terms of games won for the Flames, but like Ive said, we all hope they show character and signs of improvement just the same.

Agreed.
- Colin Dambrauskas

Yaaaaaaaaayyyyy we agree on something.

perhaps you guys misunderstood. With this roster, if Ramo doesnt provide (at least) average goaltending, they could have a lot of bad games with the teams in their conference. Calgary (does not) want to create a losing environment with players still developing on their roster. Its a recipe for future disaster.

The whole point to this blog was to consider bringing in a guy like Bryz to ensure that he or Ramo support the team enough that they dont get shelled every night. Gives time for Ramo to establish himself, gives time for Berra to further develop, and doesnt cause utter chaos if Ramo fails.

Worst case is Bryz goes back to his ways or is no better than Ramo. No big deal. Best case is Bryz establishes himself and Ramo competes right there with him and the Flames now have two tenders who they could look into moving for move pieces.

Bryz/Ramo playing great (alone) wouldnt move this team out of bottom 5 draft selection...lets be real. It wont be a pretty year in terms of games won for the Flames, but like Ive said, we all hope they show character and signs of improvement just the same.
- Colin Dambrauskas

So along the same lines, why not go out and sign a guy like Tom Gilbert or even Whitney. I would prefer this. D are always easier to move and these 2 guys ( as well as some others) could easily have bounce back seasons. Another topic perhaps?

perhaps you guys misunderstood. With this roster, if Ramo doesnt provide (at least) average goaltending, they could have a lot of bad games with the teams in their conference. Calgary (does not) want to create a losing environment with players still developing on their roster. Its a recipe for future disaster.

The whole point to this blog was to consider bringing in a guy like Bryz to ensure that he or Ramo support the team enough that they dont get shelled every night. Gives time for Ramo to establish himself, gives time for Berra to further develop, and doesnt cause utter chaos if Ramo fails.

Worst case is Bryz goes back to his ways or is no better than Ramo. No big deal. Best case is Bryz establishes himself and Ramo competes right there with him and the Flames now have two tenders who they could look into moving for move pieces.

Bryz/Ramo playing great (alone) wouldnt move this team out of bottom 5 draft selection...lets be real. It wont be a pretty year in terms of games won for the Flames, but like Ive said, we all hope they show character and signs of improvement just the same.
- Colin Dambrauskas

I hear you, I just think that there's a BIG difference between drafting 1st or 2nd vs. 4th or 5th, and the upside of bringing in Bryz that you mention isn't enough to diminish that difference, especially when you consider the fact that historically he's been a bad teammate and has the potential to actually have a NEGATIVE effect on the development of Ramo and/or Berra because of his selfish behavior.

I hear you, I just think that there's a BIG difference between drafting 1st or 2nd vs. 4th or 5th, and the upside of bringing in Bryz that you mention isn't enough to diminish that difference, especially when you consider the fact that historically he's been a bad teammate and has the potential to actually have a NEGATIVE effect on the development of Ramo and/or Berra because of his selfish behavior.
- Quetzalcoatl

All good points guys...the reason I write these blogs.

What most of you need to remember when commenting is, Feaster is (not) going to allow this team to get shelled every night. So if Ramo (does) crap the bed he will be addressing it somehow...mark my word

Yes they are rebuilding - No hes not going to let them tank while doing so. Not healthy for a team moving forward (unless you plan on dumping everyone who was around during said tank).

I hear you, I just think that there's a BIG difference between drafting 1st or 2nd vs. 4th or 5th, and the upside of bringing in Bryz that you mention isn't enough to diminish that difference, especially when you consider the fact that historically he's been a bad teammate and has the potential to actually have a NEGATIVE effect on the development of Ramo and/or Berra because of his selfish behavior.
- Quetzalcoatl

I have to agree with this.

Dont think hes a great goalie, but he bodes well in a good defensive system which I wholeheartedly expect from Hartley this season.
- Colin Dambrauskas

...in order to play a good defensive system you need good hockey players. Something the flames are drastically missing.
With that said, if you feel they could somehow play strong defensively, there should be no need for extremely high level goaltending-so the flames should be just fine with what they have. They can do it without having to add a negative presence in the dressing room or a pile of money to their cap....which brings us full circle.
Bryzgalov is not a good fit no matter how you spin it.

So along the same lines, why not go out and sign a guy like Tom Gilbert or even Whitney. I would prefer this. D are always easier to move and these 2 guys ( as well as some others) could easily have bounce back seasons. Another topic perhaps?
- TandA4Flames

I think that was the idea with guys like Russell/OBrien/Cundari/Wideman. But hey, if their defense is horrid this year it could be a viable option.

...in order to play a good defensive system you need good hockey players. Something the flames are drastically missing.With that said, if you feel they could somehow play strong defensively, there should be no need for extremely high level goaltending-so the flames should be just fine with what they have. They can do it without having to add a negative presence in the dressing room or a pile of money to their cap....which brings us full circle.
Bryzgalov is not a good fit no matter how you spin it.
- Barx

Not always the case. You'd be surprised what a strong system can do for certain players. And I think where we differ is more on the opinion of Bryz-no-glove than anything

Not always the case. You'd be surprised what a strong system can do for certain players. And I think where we differ is more on the opinion of Bryz-no-glove than anything
- Colin Dambrauskas

You got your debate. Guess its fair to say.

All good points guys...the reason I write these blogs.

What most of you need to remember when commenting is, Feaster is (not) going to allow this team to get shelled every night. So if Ramo (does) crap the bed he will be addressing it somehow...mark my word

Yes they are rebuilding - No hes not going to let them tank while doing so. Not healthy for a team moving forward (unless you plan on dumping everyone who was around during said tank).
- Colin Dambrauskas

I also agree with this. However, if the team is at least competitive in most games, losing 2-1 and 3-2 games, I think Feaster will stick with the plan and try to acquire youth and picks primarily for the future.

You got your debate. Guess its fair to say.
- bixll

Well its been stale around here lately and Ive often thought about the goaltending situation and thought this could be looked at as proactive given the total experience between the pipes for Calgary.

Again it shouldnt be because theyre rebuilding that they shouldnt care...if the Flames and their fans can learn anything its that you dont want to "tank" while rebuilding, you want to try to keep a competitive environment so guys are always striving to be their best. Ie. Ramo - Berra due to Bryz.

Perhaps Ramo alone does well, but given the teams inability to replace him as the starter and their lackluster performance he develops a "non-chalent" attitude. This could be a problem down the road should they extend him.