Firstly, I would agree with the folks who assess the situation realistically, noting that it takes two to make a trade. Last year there were no trades, and likely that is related to other teams not valuing the Flames assets as the Flames do.
Whether or not the team ends up selling assets, there is something that should be said for Feaster. Let's add to the asset management discussion the maximization of value of existing assets. Last year a lot of assets were at an all time low. Selling at that point would have been disastrous. Hartley is the guy he brought in, and I would say that several existing assets have increased in value based on the metrics a lot of people look at.
- Cammalleri at 22 points in 24 games. Nearly point per game hockey. Big improvement from the ~0.7 point per game pace he was at the past few years
- Bouwmeester on pace for his Florida numbers after 3 years of floundering offensively under Brent
- Stajan playing a confident well rounded game and on pace for 50+ points after the last 3 years nearly left him without value
- Stempniak on pace for a career high 63 points over 82
The above assets should be worth more this year than they were last year. That can be a pretty big deal.
Backlund has taken a significant step forward in his development (and very unfortunately this is offset by injuries), and so has Brodie, but this may well be a natural progression given their ages and stage of development.
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