Other parallel to the Oilers rebuild:
The Oilers and Flames likely continue to evade a rebuild if not for players forcing their hand.
Ryan Smyth not signing as a pending free agent on deadline day for Edmonton's hand. Jarome Iginla refusing to negotiate a contract extension forced Jay Feaster's hand. If Jarome signs an extension during the year, the Flames are likely attempting to be free-agent players and continue with 'win now'.
They were put in a lose-lose position by their players after failing at team building with them and did the only thing they could that wouldn't risk further embarrassment (Franchise player leaving for nothing after the team misses the playoffs): trade the player and sell the fanbase on emerging magic beans.
The trajectory is absurdly similar. It's depressing.
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