The Calgary Flames solved their goaltending problem at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft by making a trade with the St. Louis Blues. The Flames acquired Brian Elliott in exchange for the 35th pick in the 2016 draft and a conditional pick that gives the Blues a 2018 3rd round pick if Elliott re-signs with the Flames.
The price wasn’t exorbitant, in fact it was pretty low, and that was probably part of what drove the Flames toward Elliott over other netminders they were rumored to be calling about, like Ben Bishop. Also helping to drive down the price is that Elliott has just one year left on his contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
With Jon Gillies on the way, the Flames get a starting goaltender for the coming season and a plan while prospects continue to develop.
First off, I want to thank the Blues organization. I'm proud to have been a part of it for the last 5 years and be one of the @bluesalumni
— Brian Elliott (@KidElls1) June 25, 2016
During the 2015-16 season, Elliott played 42 games, going 23-8-6 with a .930 all-situation save percentage.
He is currently the only NHL goaltender on contract with the Flames. Karri Ramo is set to be an unrestricted free agent on July 1, while Joni Ortio is a pending restricted free agent. The other goaltender from last season, Jonas Hiller, is headed to Europe.
