I don't think San Jose will trade Dell unless we overpay for him and I don't think that's worth it for a backup. I truly believe that acquiring a back up is entirely a trade deadline move. wait and see if riitch or gillies can hold down the position. if they are not playing well enough in the first half of the season and the flames are in a prime playoff position then we can overpay for a backup at the deadline.

I also have my reservations that Aaron Dell will ever be a NHL starter. he has good numbers through 49 career NHL games but that's in front of a very defensively strong San Jose team.

This teams Achilles heel this season is goaltending. Smith needs to stay healthy and Rittch and Gillies need to take the next step in their development to be dependable backups. if either of these two things don't happen that is when we should scramble for a backup

Dell is already 29. By the time this contract is up he will be on the wrong side of 30 to hold a future starter role long term. If Calgary hopes to land a future starter then have to look at players like Saros from Nashville and Korpasalo in Columbus. Young players stuck behind great goalies signed long term (provided Bobrovsky resigns long term)