Quote:
Originally Posted by joe_mullen
it could also be argued that they care more about the logo on the front than the name on the back. a purely objective assessment of the flames situation strongly suggests that he be traded for picks/prospects instead of further cementing our status as an irrelevant franchise.
|
My 2 cents
From a purely assets management view, I agree. Iginla is a declining commodity and it would be worth it to trade up for the future. However, it's not as simple as that.
First off, Iggy can pretty much dictate where he wants to go with the NTC/NMC. Looking at return in investment, the return the Flames will be looking for is some combination of high draft picks, blue chip prospects, or immediate impact players. The problem is teams that can offer those are lower end, not close to winning ones. I don't think Iggy is keen to go to Columbus for instance. Even trading him to a contender is problematic as those teams have often lower draft picks (unless they include multiple picks for future years drafts), too close to the Cap to take on his contract, or cannot offer any immediate players back with out crippling their own chances for a championship run.
2nd. Proper asset management requires trading from a position of strength. The Flames do not have an excess of Iginla like players. The Flames management have decided in the past that Iginla makes the team better than the return it would bring if he was traded. It would not be wise to trade an asset in one area, only to open a hole in another. Short term at least. There are very few instances where an organization trades their franchise player, and history is generally not on the side with the team that trades away star players (although an exception for sure with the Bruins, who won a couple several years after trading Joe Thornton). The big thing is getting draft picks and prospects to rebuild the base. However, potential is only great if it's realized (something the Oilers should keep in mind). For every Pittsburg, there is the Islanders, Atlanta, Columbus and other teams with high picks and prospects every year, and have nothing to show for it.
My third point is that I think the Flames rightly or wrongly are worried what an Iginla-less Flames would mean to ticket sales and the product on the ice. The oilers have been able to hype their prospect pool and 1st round picks and keep bums in the seats. However, if the Oilers don't make a splash in the next 1 to 2 seasons, the effect of being a bottom dwelling team will take a toll on attendance. Similarly to the Flames, ownership remember the Dark times and they have a real fear that without Iginla, the fans will turn away.
This whole calculation will change though closer to the trade deadline. If the Flames appear to fail to make the playoffs, then it would be their best interest to shop Iginla to a playoff team. They'll then have the opportunity to negotiate a contract with him in the summer. Similarly, if it appears Iggy won't re-sign with Calgary, then for sure try to get the most out of him.
Lchoy