I'd much rather have a winning culture than a top 3 pick in a rebuild.
Sure, drafting the top talent will help, but not near as much as being able to surround that elite prospect, with talented UFA's.
Drafting first overall doesn't mean you'll be instantly better (look at Edmonton), drafting high once or twice, but having a culture that UFA's find desirable is far more beneficial.
The Flames have that team culture that players find desirable, another good draft, and a trade or two won in our favor can put the team on the upswing, then the UFA's start taking us seriously.
Let the Canucks and Oilers draft 1 and 2 for as long as they like, as the Oilers have proven, they will only destroy that elite talent, and turn them into losers by shoving a losing culture down their throats. Vancouver is on track for that as well.
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