With Frederik Andersen being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs one of the most targeted starting goalies is off the list. So, who do the Calgary Flames have their eyes set on now. Is it Ben Bishop in Tampa Bay, or is it Marc-Andre Fleury in Pittsburgh? There is still the opportunity to try go after pending UFA James Reimer of San Jose. All are quality goalies that would help the goalie less Calgary Flames.
Is the Ben Bishop talk valid? Well probably the fact that the Flames would be interested, but there is a lot more to this one. Bishop has a partial no trade clause, and according to reports his agent has not been approached about waiving his no-movement clause. The Lightning are in a good position, and do not need to move Ben Bishop. His contract runs out at the end of next season, so he will not be exposed in the potential expansion draft. His pending UFA status may also deter the Flames. At the end of next season Bishop will be searching for a 7-8 million dollar contract, and Flames will not be interested in that. There are rumblings in Calgary that the Flames are making calls on Bishop, but nothing is confirmed.
How bad do the Flames want Marc-Andre Fleury? Well that is yet to be determined. Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun, reported that Pittsburgh General Manager Jim Rutherford is asking the Flames to trade their sixth overall, first round draft pick, for goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. It is obvious that the Flames will not go for that trade. The Flames have admitted interest, but definitely not at that cost. The trade of Anaheim goalie Frederik Andersen to the Toronto Maple Leafs has pushed the envelope on this topic. It has been reported that the Flames made an aggressive offer to the Ducks that included their second round, 35th pick, but the Ducks wanted to move him east and out of the Conference.
The most likely goaltender option for Calgary looks to be the pending free-agent James Reimer. This would also be a good fit for Calgary, but it is not the goalie at the top of the Flames list. This will definitely be a hot topic, and one that I think the Flames will solve sooner rather than later.
Brad Burud the owner/editor of the Inside Edge Hockey News. I am a huge fan of hockey, from youth hockey, to junior hockey, and of course professional hockey. I have played, coached, worked as statistician, and watched hockey all of my life. Hockey is not just a game, it is a lifestyle and family. The game of hockey is great! It can bring you nights of great enjoyment. It also brings nights where you feel like your team will never win. I am proud to be a journalist for the greatest game in the world. I have a degree in Business Administration, Psychology from Minot State University. I also have a Hockey General Manager and Scouting, and Sports Communications/Journalism degree from Sports Management Worldwide. I am also a member of the Sports Executives Association. Most of all I am a fan. Hockey is a huge part of my life and my families life.