Quote:
Originally Posted by CliffFletcher
#1 centers under the age of 28 don't grow on trees. They'll need to draft one. In fact, outside of Baertschi, the Flames pretty much need to draft a new core. That's the reality ownership and management need to recognize. You can't build a winner through free agency.
Look at the Blues. They have a payroll $13 million lower than the Flames. Take Hudler, Wideman, Cervenka, Stajan out of the picture and replace them with entry-level contracts. That will give you an idea of the resources they have to work with. So what was their strategy under Davidson? Stockpile picks and prospects. Eschew free agents. Draft and develop their own core of young players. Forego the quick fix.
But that takes discipline and patience - two qualities Flames ownership and management have not demonstrated.
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Is it possible that the mandate of win now is in place because of Calgary's horrible drafting history? What use is it to stock pile picks if you use them on first round draft selections such as Chucko, Pelech, Nemiscz et al. I agree that the drafting record appears to have improved, but the operative word is "appears". Baertchi should be good, Backlund might break out and management has a 5 year leash on Jankowski's potential. I think until our draft picks actually start panning out as tangible quality players ownership has been releuctant to build through the draft.