Quote:
Originally Posted by devo22
I don't think it's a little scary. It actually scares the crap out of me. As a GM, Burke has a horrible record when it comes to drafting - not just in Toronto as T@T showed, but also in Vancouver and Anaheim.
It scares the crap out of me and I just hope that there's a new GM with a strong draft record in place soon.
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It is really funny then that he went out and criticized the Flames for their drafting, when the Flames have arguably done a better job over the last while. I actually thought he had better drafts in Vancouver and Anaheim.
However, before you get too scared, I raise you a Feaster history. Compare his tenure in Tampa with regards to drafting with any team you wish to compare. Feaster had even less success.
Heck, Darryl Sutter was horrible at drafting, but he started building up the scouting department, and it started getting better here. Feaster (who has a putrid draft record) came in and added to it, and most of us think he has achieved some success.
What terrifies me is when I heard Burke say at his press conference when he got hired that he is looking to change the scouting department. I hope he comes in and isn't a 'bully'. I hope he listens to what Todd Button has to say, and just adds to the scouting team.
I really do think that scouting teams are difficult to build up. It doesn't appear to be one of those things that you can throw a lot of money at in one year, and see vastly improved results. It seems to be much more of a fine-tuning process, and I think the Flames are reaching an a level they haven't seen since the late 80's.
The one saving grace I find is that Burke is too experienced and knows not to disrupt a scouting department too much in-season. A new GM will be hired - and hopefully someone that has a proven track-record with drafting, and then an AGM will also be hired - and hopefully once again someone with a proven track record (and hopefully they are both former directors of amateur scouting at some point in their careers).
The Flames drafting might actually get better under Burke's watch. However, I also remain terrified until I at least hear who will be hired as the GM.