I would hate if the Flames went scorched earth rebuild. The team really 'stinks' right now, but that doesn't mean that every individual piece does. Flames should keep a number of younger guys (under 30) around to keep the kids from getting over their head. Keep the team somewhat competitive. Losing is something that is difficult to overcome once you start.
However, I would prefer the Flames trade away players for picks first, prospects second, and roster players third (plus any cap hits back of course). The reason I say this, is that this team doesn't suck because they don't have a #1 Center (though it is a glaring hole). They are performing poorly because they simply do not have enough talent - especially enough franchise talent. Calgary is a very, very good 'depth' team (though some will argue that), but few impact players.
No team is going to trade a 'franchise' player in return for our players. (yeah, obviously).
No team is going to give up a future franchise player (especially at center) in terms of a highly touted prospect (at least not without massively overpaying - and in the end, the Flames are back to one franchise player and lots of depth)
It is much more likely that the Flames find their franchise players through picks. Sure, there will be some misses of course, but that is to be expected. No team drafts 100%. Odds are tough to calculate anyways - teams have good and bad years drafting, where those picks occur, up and down years in terms of available talent in drafts...
This is why I personally didn't like the RoR offer-sheet too much - the pick (even in 10-14) could potentially be a better player than RoR will ever be, but increase those odds with entering a retool/rebuild in a shortened season, and that pick may end up top 5 (and let's not forget you get a chance at winning the lottery).
I am not too optimistic now with what Feaster has been quoted as saying in this thread. Sounds like they are more interested in making a quicker turnaround (which I really like - but this year is full of very good potential centers, and it is a shortened season so the 'hurt' at least will be shorter).
I still don't think a team needs sit at the bottom of the standings for seasons on end like the Oilers have. Not to take a cheap-shot at them, but that is just having an inept hockey ops.
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