The problems are numerous, deeper and been very noticeable for the last 7 years. Having not been addressed the solutions are not short term, as a result.
The biggest difference between a true contender and the Flames are the lack of impact players between the age of 21-27.
Without doing the research and subsequent factual substantiation...the Blues, Hawks, Kings Sharks Stars Ducks Wild to name a few are light years ahead of the Flames. That is just from the Western Conference.
How did that happen?
IMO, a lack of good drafting, poor development, short sighted trades and quite frankly...what looks like a very shortsighted and poorly planned mandate from ownership.
Since when did a management/ ownership goals on a short , intermediate and longterm basis revolve around being a less than mediocre "squeak" into 8th place team?
To answer the OP' s question...many players, although,
It depends on what you are aiming for.
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