Quote:
Originally Posted by JiriHrdina
Yeah that's a great point by Eric D - and again underscores why this year may be the perfect year for the Flames to be dragged kicking and screaming into a change in approach.
There are also a lot of teams that I think feel they are close - where adding a piece could put them over the top. Thinking that if the Flames are dealing anyone of note, they probably only want to do so to the east I think you still have
- Boston
- Buffalo
- Philly
- NYR
- Tampa
- NJ
- Pitt
Who all could be driving for a championship, or at least think they are.
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I wrote this on another board, but pertinent here:
I know it is only 5-games in and we are a couple of months away from the deadline. But if we continue to lose is the time finally right to rebuild?
A Deep Draft
This is being touted as one of the strongest drafts in years. I would never intentionally tank. But picking in the top 5 this season wouldn't be the worst thing for the Flames. Neither would acquiring as many picks as you can get.
The New Guys are Taking Over
Our best players have been Hudler, Cervenka, Backlund, Brodie, Wideman, Glencross, Tanguay, etc. Guys that are young or locked in long term. Plus we have players like Baertschi and Horak that are showing they are ready for prime time. We are starting to show the pieces we need to have to survive without yesterdays top players.
Contracts
Iginla's contract expires at season end. Kipper's, Cammalleri's, and Bouwmeester's contracts all expire the season after. So we either extend them (if we even have the option) and keep rebuilding around the same core. Or we lose them for nothing. Or we move them for assets.
Other Teams
Washington, Philly, Carolina, NYR, LA, etc are all contending teams that are struggling early. These are teams that could soon be desperate enough to pay big for some of the assets we have.
Meanwhile other teams you would expect to be sellers are doing well. Meaning we may be one of the few teams in selling mode further increasing the value of our assets.
Add major injuries to the mix (ie Philly) and the market is in our favor.
Depth Players
In addition to the big guns we also have guys like Butler, Sarich, Jackman, Stempniak, Smith, Stajan, etc that other teams may be interested to help them in a long playoff run.
Buy Out
The shortened season combined with the buy-out could make some teams willing to take a run with a player like Cammalleri or Stajan. Their cap doesn't matter this season, and they can be bought out next. All of a sudden guys you couldn't trade are potentially decent assets.
If the Flames acquire some top NHL ready prospects, pick top 5, and stock pile picks for the next draft how much better off will they be? I know a lot of people on here hate the idea of a rebuild. But can the Flames really let all of these assets expire? Or commit long term contracts and cap to depreciating assets?