Quote:
Originally Posted by Vinny01
I thought so too but Edmonton did more of a re-tool post Smyth IMO. They tossed out huge offer sheets on Vanek and then Penner. Rebuilding teams don't do that. They made win now trades and signings up until they started they tank model. The difference is where the teams were when they decided to call it a rebuild. Calgary knew these old veterans were not going to get it done. Edmonton realized their re-tooled lineup that looked promising in 2008 was never going to get it done.
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I don't buy that narrative. I think they tried to shortcut the rebuild by raiding another team of their top young talent, believing it would supplement the young players they already had. The Flames were willing to try the same thing, but it failed and they were forced into admission that the rebuild was on. The Oilers were that way from the Smyth trade on, they were just too proud to admit it and do it right.