Having the patience for a team to become, basically, a bottom feeder for a few years actually accelerates the rebuilding process. That allows for higher first round picks - the elite talent, like Toews & Kane. Those are the types of players to build a core around. Obviously, the Blackhawks had sunk some expensive contracts (like Brian Campbell, previously, and they may regret the LT deal with Hossa). Stan Bowman deserves a lot of credit for keeping key components of their roster without having to dismantle a Cup-winning team. That's what makes this year's team so impressive.
Another model of rebuilding to look at is the Quebec Nordiques. They already had Joe Sakic. Then they hit rock bottom, and were able to draft first overall with Mats Sundin, Owen Nolan and Eric Lindros in successive years. Obviously, all got traded for other (mostly) effective assets that contributed to their Cup-winning teams in Colorado.
The Flames might want to case study their approach, but without the intent of trading away top draft picks. Plus, the odds don't favor getting 1st overall for 3 years consecutive, esp. with the lottery now in place. However, the Flames will be rather poor for at least the next 2-3 seasons, which should offer some picks even higher than Sunday's 6th overall.
The other consideration is how they want to build the team. Before, the org was benchmarking against New Jersey with Lou Lamiorello's philosophy of building from the net out. Without a superstar goalie (yes, few are as good as Martin Brodeur), that's not likely. Plus, it's been show that championship teams can get it done without big name goalies.
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