There is not much to build around in this organization. Actually, I would say there is absolutely nothing to build around. Brodie will be a big part of the future, and so will Baertschi - but they will both be good pieces to add to whomever the Flames 'build around'. Who knows what development does, however. Perhaps there are pieces to build around that just force you to do so by how well they develop. However, Flames have some pretty good pieces to help them in the future, but nothing I would say "Build around".
With that being said, I really understand where the OP is coming from. Perhaps he chose his words a little wrong - "Build Around" perhaps not being the best phrase. The Flames are BETTER than what their record indicates in terms of TALENT. Not performance, but just sheer talent. That I can definitely agree with. The Flames are not the least talented team in the NHL, that's for sure.
With that being said...
They have some of the worst chemistry and effort issues, and some of the most regular 'break-downs' in terms of play in the NHL. That is what the Flames are. A just below average talented team, that is (and has been) a 'mess' of a team for a while.
It isn't leadership - sorry downers, but there was nothing wrong with Iginla's leadership.
It is just too much of a mix of players, with no real identity. I strongly believe that the sum of the parts were much, much greater than the whole, and that is why the Flames have disappointed for a while. Some may argue that the Flames just don't have the talent. Well, everyone is entitled to their opinions and viewpoints. I may be wrong myself. I just see the Flames as (was) a fairly talented bunch that continually under-perform for whatever reason - and that reason is any semblance to an identity. Too many inconsistent efforts from too many inconsistent players.
The talent is (and definitely WAS) there, but unfortunately the only consistent aspect of this team, were their inconsistencies.
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