Everything I've read and heard leads me to believe strongly that he is coming over. Things could change between now and then. I have seen published reports where Jay Feaster says they already consider Ramo their #2 goalie. He is a legitimate NHL talent, he has the skill to back up Kiprusoff and eventually take over his throne when he no longer plays for Calgary. Very few goalies in the KHL have that type of ability (not including the locked out NHL goalies like Rinne and Varly obviously), but Ramo is one that has it.

The big obstacle is the transition back over to the smaller ice. If he lands the backup gig to Kiprusoff for next season, he needs to play enough games to allow that transition to take place in a smooth manner. There is no way of knowing how many games he'll need, nor is it known how much of that process he can accomplish by sheerly practicing.

This is why you have to consider the alternative --- Feaster puts him in the AHL on a two-way contract next season so that he can carry the workload for Abbotsford. That gives Ramo a chance to re-acclimate, a chance to play games and get comfortable, and it's another opportunity for Calgary to ensure he is truly fit for the job with the Flames in future seasons, and he's more of a long-term solution.

That gives the three goalies currently in Abbotsford a chance to back up Kiprusoff next season. Brust? Taylor? Irving? Take your pick...but it's more likely Brust or Taylor.

Or they go outside the organization and look elsewhere.

Bazillions of options, but whatever happens, expect Ramo to be playing in North America next season.

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