If the Calgary Flames are going to be noticeably better in 2018-19, they probably need to upgrade their goaltending.
There were some hiccups, particularly down the stretch, but overall Mike Smith did a pretty good job as the starter.
Among 32 goaltenders to play 1,600+ minutes, Smith ranked 12th in 5v5 save percentage. Some of the many notables to finish lower include Frederik Andersen, Tuukka Rask, Henrik Lundqvist, Braden Holtby and Martin Jones.
Unfortunately, it was mostly a disaster between the pipes whenever Smith was unavailable – be it due to injury or rest.
Eddie Lack posted a disastrous .813 save percentage in four appearances before being fired into the sun.
David Rittich posted a .904 save percentage in 21 appearances and ranked 52nd among 61 eligible goaltenders (700+ minutes) in 5v5 save percentage.
Jon Gillies, uhm, didn't exactly look like a guy ready to push for starts in the NHL. He had an .896 save percentage and ranked 71st among 72 eligible goaltenders (400+ minutes) in 5v5 save percentage. The only goaltender to finish below Gillies was Vegas' 10th string goaltender Maxime Legace, who was forced into action due to an absurd amount of injuries.
Suffice to say, the goaltending from guys not named Mike Smith was not close to good enough.
If the Flames wish to upgrade between the pipes, and add insurance behind a 36-year-old goaltender with an injury history, there are plenty of options available.
Let's take a look at three that stand out.
Jonathan Bernier Bernier is the perfect guy to have around if you're worried about the health of your starter, or need a platoon option.
He has appeared in 75 games (37.5 per) over the last two seasons and handled himself extremely well.
Among 53 goaltenders to log at least 2,000 minutes of ice in that time, Bernier ranks 15th with a .927 save percentage at 5v5.
The Avs recently signed goaltender Pavel Francouz, who has a *very* similar build to Bernier and recorded a .946 save percentage or better in consecutive KHL seasons, so perhaps they're ready to move on from Bernier.
Carter Hutton Much like Bernier, Hutton has been the 1B goaltender over the last two seasons and enjoyed a lot of success in that role.
Using the same criteria as above (2,000+ minutes), Hutton ranks 7th among 53 goaltenders with a .932 save percentage at 5v5.
A couple teams that could have been in the market for a backup – Colorado and Edmonton – recently signed KHLers so perhaps a smaller market will help keep the cost down.
Philipp Grubauer …‹This is the pie in the sky target. For one, Grubauer will likely cost a 2nd round pick plus another asset, which the Flames aren't in a position to give up. He's also in line for a decent raise. I think he's worth the cost if he's actually going to start but if the Flames are committed to starting Smith, and they are, they're probably better off looking elsewhere. I guess he could platoon this year and start moving forward but, again, the Flames don't really have the assets.
…‹Despite ranking 1st in 5v5 save percentage over the last two seasons, Grubauer is likely to be available this summer. Braden Holtby isn't going anywhere nor is Ilya Samsanov, a guy the Caps invested a 1st round pick in and just signed. Technically he could play in the AHL but I doubt he left a solid gig in his homeland to ride the buses and make $70,000 in the minors.
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