After the acquisition of Ben Bishop from the Butches for a 2nd round pick in 2020 and a conditional 4th round pick in 2022 is there a goalie controversy for the Mounties? GM John Salerno assured us there is not. "Let me be clear. Ben is our clear cut number 1 and we acquired him for the stretch run to take us to where we want to go. I'm not blaming Jacob (Markstrom) but something just wasn't clicking with him this year".
Markstrom, who is in the first year of a 3 year deal that pays him $3.5 million a season had this to say: "Look man, if I play or I sit I still get paid. Whether you like it, or you don't like it, learn to love it! Wooooo!!!" This reporter had no idea Markstrom was such a bit fan of WWE Legend, 2x Hall of Famer and 16x World Champion Ric Flair.... When asked asked what he plans to do for next season Markstrom said, "I'll work as hard as I can to have a better season next year and live up to expectations"
All eyes are now on Bishop as the fan base hopes he can turn around what has surely been a disappointing season for the Mounties so far. "I look forward to challenge of bringing the Cup to Orlando. Its a passionate fan base and seems to be a great group of guys" Bishop said. "I feel for Jacob. It is never my intention to take someone's job. Hopefully we can work together and make each other better"
Orlando hasn't has the best luck with goalies recently. From the departed Cam Ward, to Carter Hutton and now Markstrom. The franchise can't seem to get that position right. Even though Bishop is a UFA after this year, hopefully he can settle things down. Earlier in the season the Mounties traded for Marc Staal and Roman Polak to help out their porous defense and help out Markstrom, but to no avail. Will Bishop be the missing piece to the puzzle? Time will tell.
Speaking of Hutton, who is currently over paid at 2.1 million for this year and next year. He was asked how he felt about Bishop and his current standing with the team. "Wait, I still I have a job? YES!"