Quote:
Originally Posted by burn_baby_burn
Kipper saved the Flames. Until he came along the Flames had missed the playoffs seven straight years and would have missed an eight if Sutter hadn't of traded for Kipper. He immediately turned the team around, the Flames had a Cinderella run to game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals and the rest is history. If Kipper doesn't come to the Flames they would have probably missed the playoffs for the eighth year in a row heading into the lockout. He was the only thing keeping this team from missing the playoffs after the lockout. Without him, I think it is save to say that the Flames could have missed the playoffs 16 years in a row.
Because of this, Kipper should be allowed to do whatever the hell he wants. They should build a statue of him in front of the Dome. They should rename Olympic Way, Kipprusoff Drive. His jersey should be retired. The Flames owe him for saving this franchise and making them a lot of money since the 2004 run, which they are still living off the fumes of.
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Another way to look at it is if the Flames hadn't taken a chance on Kipper, he may have been buried in the Sharks, or another team's, system, and never gotten a shot at being an NHL starter. Never had a chance to earn the Vezina. Never earned $50 million.
I believe in reciprocal relationships. If Kipper's relationship with the franchise is hardheaded, with his own and his family's interests paramount, that's perfectly fine. But then why do the Flames as an organization, and we as fans, need to be grateful, or let sentiment affect our own attitudes and decisions? If Kipper doesn't owe the franchise and fans anything (and I don't believe he does), why do the franchise and fans owe him anything?