great topic! I was thinking along the same lines. My view is that Flames 2010 compares to Oilers 2007. Both teams take 3 years to hit full rebuild mode.
I can accept that the flames needed 3 years because of Iggy's contract, with NTC and a first-ballot hall of fame career in a flames jersey. Not to mention Kipper's contract with NTC. Many wanted to abruptly blow it up, but I can understand why Feaster eased into it. Fans are either happy to witness career milestones such as 500 goals and 300 wins or frustrated that the rebuild couldn't be executed quicker for higher (marginally?) quality assets. Some fans wanted an even more aggressive strategy to go for it in 2010-2013 and start rebuild in 2014/15 with a shot at McDavid, but self-inflicted cap problems would make it difficult to improve the team in the short term.
Feaster traded Regehr for young players, generally resisted the urge to trade future assets to address short term needs. Feaster did try to sign Richards and ROR but ultimately the decisions of others allowed the rebuilding transition take its course.
The trade off is 3 years of mediocrity in exchange for some decent pieces like Baertschi, Jankowski et al to build upon now that the rebuild is entirely underway.
Edmonton's advantage in rebuilding is only that they sucked so hard and received 1st overall picks. They picked a series of small skilled forwards. I am not sure if the flames will have first overall picks or if they will draft better than the oilers. Time will tell...
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