I think it is pretty obvious at this point that a rebuild is needed and it may have begun already, who knows exactly, and whether it is a rebuild or retool or whatever is semantics. Who cares what they call it.
What I can't comprehend is why ownership feels so afraid of the rebuild. I have never bought into this argument that the fans will not accept a rebuild, that it will not be tolerated in the Calgary market. If Calgary fans have shown anything over the last half-dozen or so years it is an incredible loyalty to the team and a tremendous capacity to put up with crap hockey, lots of losses, and no playoffs. Rink is still full. It will be full, as well, during a full rebuild. Interest will remain high during a rebuild.
Maybe more so. I am tuning in right now to watch the new guys and the young guys. I am more interested in the games right now because Irving is in net and because I am interested in seeing Cervenka and Hudler emerge as the top forward pairing. I can't wait for the full on rebuild. I love Iginla but I can't wait for him to move on, for the Flames to cash in on him, for a new identity to be crafted (and no, those two sentiments are not mutually exclusive). Same with Kipper. Same with others.
Could a rebuild really be worse than having, at best, an average, at worst, outright disappointing veteran-laden team year after year?
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