Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - The Flames and Oilers rebuilds similar beginings

Vinny01 · 08-05-2013, 04:53 PM

I have been thinking about the rebuilds of the 2 Alberta teams recently and notice some major similarities when both teams realized they needed to tear it down and build from within. Sorry this is long but could be an interesting discussion. I think it is only natural we have a thread that compares our rebuild to our biggest rival.

When the teams decided to tear it down:
Both teams decided to sell a rebuild to their fanbases 3.5 seasons after they last made the playoffs. Some may argue the Oilers rebuild began in 2007 when they had 3 first round picks but they spent the next 3 summers chasing big name free agents. Vanek and Penner in 07, Hossa in 08, Heatley and Khabibulin in 09. Penner and Khabibulin were only fish they landed. The Flames spent the offseasons after they missed the playoffs going after Jokinen/Tanguay in 10, Brad Ricahrds in 11, Hudler and Wideman in 12. It is also interesting to note both teams tried brand new coaching staffs the year before they decided to rebuild. Quinn in Edmonton and Hartley in Calgary.

One big difference in when they decided to tear it down was how the teams were built. The Flames were an old team built around 35 year old Iggy and 36 year old Kipper. Most of the main support pieces in Calgary were also 30+, and a severe lack of 22-27 age players made it clear to everyone the team needed to be blown up. Flames move Iggy and Bouw for picks and prospects and the rebuild is on.

Edmonton on the other hand was a fairly young team. They had a young group of forwards they used to gush about. Ganger, Cogliano, Nillson, Brule, O'Sullivan, O'Marra. Injuries and just flat out terrible play put the Oil in heavy tank mode. They moved out a few players at the deadline of 2010 but nothing near the same level as Calgary. They swapped Vishnofski for Whitney, and moved a couple of Dmen for picks.

The pieces they have at the beginning:

Edmonton quickly moved on from most of their young forward core getting rid of Nillson, O'Sullivan, Cogliano, Brule, and O'Marra. With their first overall pick they selected Taylor Hall who is likely going to be their captain next season. Edmonton also had 2008 1st rounder Jordan Eberle and 2009 10th overall pick MPS and both players were extremely hyped. Those 3 players along with Sam Ganger represented the Oilers key pieces moving forward.

The Flames prize for a horrible 2013 season was selecting Sean Monahan with the 6th pick. He has potential to be a future captain and franchise player moving forward. In addition the Flames have Sven Baertschi, and Johnny Gaudreau who we believe can be top 6 forwards with elite potential with young Dman TJ Brodie having top pairing upside on the back end.

Both teams had about 4 solid pieces they identified moving forward. The Oilers have since locked up 3 of their pieces and traded the other for David Perron. They continued to be absolutely terrible for 3 years drafting 1st, 1st, 7th. They enter year 4 of their rebuild with a new GM, 3rd coach and playoffs are going to be the expectation in Edmonton next year. The Flames enter year 1 with a roster built for 30th overall, a few decent trade chips, and a decent base of prospects.

There are some major similarities between the 2 teams when they decided to start a major rebuild. Who do you think is positioned better in year 1? Can Calgary avoid going 4+ years like Edmonton?

08-05-2013, 04:53 PM	#1
Vinny01 Franchise Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CGY Exp:	The Flames and Oilers rebuilds similar beginings I have been thinking about the rebuilds of the 2 Alberta teams recently and notice some major similarities when both teams realized they needed to tear it down and build from within. Sorry this is long but could be an interesting discussion. I think it is only natural we have a thread that compares our rebuild to our biggest rival. When the teams decided to tear it down: Both teams decided to sell a rebuild to their fanbases 3.5 seasons after they last made the playoffs. Some may argue the Oilers rebuild began in 2007 when they had 3 first round picks but they spent the next 3 summers chasing big name free agents. Vanek and Penner in 07, Hossa in 08, Heatley and Khabibulin in 09. Penner and Khabibulin were only fish they landed. The Flames spent the offseasons after they missed the playoffs going after Jokinen/Tanguay in 10, Brad Ricahrds in 11, Hudler and Wideman in 12. It is also interesting to note both teams tried brand new coaching staffs the year before they decided to rebuild. Quinn in Edmonton and Hartley in Calgary. One big difference in when they decided to tear it down was how the teams were built. The Flames were an old team built around 35 year old Iggy and 36 year old Kipper. Most of the main support pieces in Calgary were also 30+, and a severe lack of 22-27 age players made it clear to everyone the team needed to be blown up. Flames move Iggy and Bouw for picks and prospects and the rebuild is on. Edmonton on the other hand was a fairly young team. They had a young group of forwards they used to gush about. Ganger, Cogliano, Nillson, Brule, O'Sullivan, O'Marra. Injuries and just flat out terrible play put the Oil in heavy tank mode. They moved out a few players at the deadline of 2010 but nothing near the same level as Calgary. They swapped Vishnofski for Whitney, and moved a couple of Dmen for picks. The pieces they have at the beginning: Edmonton quickly moved on from most of their young forward core getting rid of Nillson, O'Sullivan, Cogliano, Brule, and O'Marra. With their first overall pick they selected Taylor Hall who is likely going to be their captain next season. Edmonton also had 2008 1st rounder Jordan Eberle and 2009 10th overall pick MPS and both players were extremely hyped. Those 3 players along with Sam Ganger represented the Oilers key pieces moving forward. The Flames prize for a horrible 2013 season was selecting Sean Monahan with the 6th pick. He has potential to be a future captain and franchise player moving forward. In addition the Flames have Sven Baertschi, and Johnny Gaudreau who we believe can be top 6 forwards with elite potential with young Dman TJ Brodie having top pairing upside on the back end. Both teams had about 4 solid pieces they identified moving forward. The Oilers have since locked up 3 of their pieces and traded the other for David Perron. They continued to be absolutely terrible for 3 years drafting 1st, 1st, 7th. They enter year 4 of their rebuild with a new GM, 3rd coach and playoffs are going to be the expectation in Edmonton next year. The Flames enter year 1 with a roster built for 30th overall, a few decent trade chips, and a decent base of prospects. There are some major similarities between the 2 teams when they decided to start a major rebuild. Who do you think is positioned better in year 1? Can Calgary avoid going 4+ years like Edmonton?