IF, and that's a big if, results are better than expected for the first 3/4 of the year, you still trade vets at the deadline. You still build through the draft. And you still stay the course.
If, and only if, a high-profile is willing to sign long term, is in the 25-27yr old range and fits into the long term plans, do you open the vault for a 3+yr contract. Otherwise, stay the course.
Remember that Colorado has had a couple of seasons during their rebuild that have exceeded expectations, and thus they altered their plans. They have looked like a confused franchise since 2009.
But it's easy to say. If the flames are in the race at the trade deadline, it will be a very uncomfortable conversation when Brian Burke tries to tell Ken King and the owners that they should be accepting the best offers for Cammy, Stajan and Hudler.
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