[wingmaker]

Originally Posted by -TC-

blowing it up isn't the answer...if you look at how many teams have tried and failed at that, the odds of the Flames successfully pulling it off are far to long to justify the risk.

better to try and deal/draft strategically and augment what's already there.

The Flames have some solid pieces on the team and I don't believe they are far away from being a truly competitive group.

Of course they do. If the Flames didn't have good pieces, then they wouldn't have anything to trade. The difference between good and very good teams is very slim these days and often comes down to "having the right mix" or whatever. If you look at the Flames roster, there are plenty of good players, but as a group it isn't working. Getting rid of everyone would guarantee failure. Using some of the coveted players to recoup young players and draft picks while continuing to make shrewd signings and building around some of the veterans already in place allows for the possibility that the Flames find a combination that works. One of the arguments for re-signing Iggy and trading some of the other veterans is that he shelters some of the young prospects brought in from immediately having to survive as the go-to players in a hockey mad market. People around here love to point to the ineptitude of Oilers management to create a winning team around their young players, and a big part of this is going with only young talent as your top end players. Young players take time to adjust. When placed within a strong environment, this transition can be smooth and successful. When there is no one else to shoulder some of the responsibility, you end up with the Oilers. And no, bottom line forwards do not cut it as veteran presence. You need skilled veterans, as well. All of the successful re-builds have shown this.