Bob Herpen: As Jon Gillies goes, so does Providence; adventures in student broadcasting Picked to be Hockey East regular-season champions in a preseason poll, the Providence Friars might have already been set up for failure given their scant history of bumping up to greatness. Jon Gillies is their ace in the hole, but he's going to have to shake off an uneven start to the season to keep the Friars in the hunt; Part I of my follies recalling a senior year broadcasting BC hockey takes us through a nightmare first period of my first game.

It's nice to finally have some good prospects in the Flames' system ! I suspect the Flames would love to have someone a little cheaper to challenge Kari Ramo. So far, Ramo is the no. 1 and Hiller is an expensive backup.

You failed to mention Ramo who is currently out playing Hiller. Flames resign Ramo and go with Ramo/ Hiller on the big club next year with Gillies backing up Ortio in the AHL. Year after that Hiller walks as a free agent. Ortio backs up Ramo and Gillies starts in the AHL with Mcdonald backing him up.

Go Huskies !!!!!

You failed to mention Ramo who is currently out playing Hiller. Flames resign Ramo and go with Ramo/ Hiller on the big club next year with Gillies backing up Ortio in the AHL. Year after that Hiller walks as a free agent. Ortio backs up Ramo and Gillies starts in the AHL with Mcdonald backing him up.
- cmpdave

Ortio's contract switches to a oneway next year I believe. So he most likley will be with the big club playing a backup role to Ramo (assuming he resigns). Get what you can for Hiller. Hiller would have served his purpose pushing Ramo to be better.

Ortio's contract switches to a oneway next year I believe. So he most likley will be with the big club playing a backup role to Ramo (assuming he resigns). Get what you can for Hiller. Hiller would have served his purpose pushing Ramo to be better.
- CapeBreton_er

I think Ramo is looking the clear no.1. If I'm BT, I'm listening to offers on both goalies. You know there will be a team out there around playoff time desperate for a goalie. Ramo might be worth a lot later in the season.

I think Ramo is looking the clear no.1. If I'm BT, I'm listening to offers on both goalies. You know there will be a team out there around playoff time desperate for a goalie. Ramo might be worth a lot later in the season.
- tincup

Yes and I hope that desperate team is Minesota. If we could pry away Coyle somehow

Yes and I hope that desperate team is Minesota. If we could pry away Coyle somehow
- CapeBreton_er

Good luck, the goalie market sucks. I doubt they'd give up Coyle for Ramo if they can get Reimer or Lack for a pick or lesser prospect.

From seeing Hiller, Ortio, Ramo and Gillies play at various times, I believe Gillies has a better ceiling than the middle two. Of course, I'm not taking into account the Flames' plans for any of these guys, which is why I make a point to hedge when talking about the future.

But on talent alone, with two more strong years in college, still think he can be the spanner in the works on any plans for deciding who will be the starter and backup in the NHL.

From seeing Hiller, Ortio, Ramo and Gillies play at various times, I believe Gillies has a better ceiling than the middle two. Of course, I'm not taking into account the Flames' plans for any of these guys, which is why I make a point to hedge when talking about the future.

But on talent alone, with two more strong years in college, still think he can be the spanner in the works on any plans for deciding who will be the starter and backup in the NHL.
- Bob.Herpen

Its a nice goalie timeline in term of ages, 2-3 yr age gap between each goalie in the ranks.

hiller/ramo combo this year. Either trade ramo (because Ortio is ready and a good return) or sign him for 3 years.

hiller moves after his contract, and ortio/ramo take over. Then ortio takes over as ramp moves out and Gillies is in. and so on to macdonald.

Goalies are looking pretty good if all pans out fairly well.

Good luck, the goalie market sucks. I doubt they'd give up Coyle for Ramo if they can get Reimer or Lack for a pick or lesser prospect.
- Nucker101

Well the key word was desperate but I wouldnt think they would go for that deal either but I see Minesota as a good trade partner. We have a definite need for a player like Coyle. I would thiink Minesota might be interested in Baertchi and Marcus Granlund. I believe Baertchi played with Nino and come on who wouldnt want the Granlund brothers playing together.