People need to get a grip here. Discussing strong asset management does not make you less of a fan. Some realities:
1) Iginla's contract is over at the end of the year. If he's not traded, he may walk for nothing. Kipper may walk for nothing too. He has one more year, but it's a "retirement" year, and he must be seriously considering going back to Europe now.
2) This team does not look like a playoff team right now, and the deadline is approaching quickly. The Flames have had several opportunities to get into playoff position but choke horribly each time.
3) This is a compressed shortened season with a very deep draft coming up. There are few sellers and all sorts of buyers.
4) Other assets like Stajan and Bouwmeester have played horribly for the Flames. In this small sample size of a season with a defensively horrible team, they look great on paper. It may be time to sell high.
5) We have solidly perorming depth guys but aren't in a position to make a cup run right now. These guys are not long term assets. I'm thinking of: Stempniak, Cervenka, and possibly Glencross.
Right now many things are pointing to the Flames being sellers. It's just strong asset management. With a compressed and shortened season, this is the year to stomach the Flames tanking. I'd much rather see it now for 20 games, than an entire 82 game schedule. The return is also the best. The Flames have had all the chances in the world this season, but can't make it stick.
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