Very thorough and well put. The Flames draft record has improved recently however the development side is up in the air due to the team not drafting any defence or goalies for years and hitting on forwards that required little to no development time. I agree this is the year to see if AHLers can graduate with a spot open for a forward, two spots open for a defenceman, and a backup goalie who will be on a short leash.
Finding the balance between calling players up too soon and ruining their development and over cooking them and causing a plateau due to a lack of challenge is tricky. I've been thinking of the following guidelines to follow:
-A winning environment is conducive to development. Build the best team possible through trades and free agency.
-Prospects should never be gifted a spot and should have to earn it by improving the team.
-If a prospect and veteran are of equal ability give the roster spot to the prospect.
-Don't be afraid to put any player on waivers if they are beat out by a prospect. Also, NEVER sign players to NMCs.
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