Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
That is also why re-signing Cammalleri to an inflated contract is not such a terrible idea. The Flames can probably afford to pay him more than anyone else can, and he is already part of all the good will that has been developed here. It makes more sense to work to keep him than it does to more passively just let him pass through free agency.
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I also think having a strong veteran core that have been on the team longer than the rookies is key.
Having a group of Giordano, Stajan, Cammallieri/Hudler/Glencross as the older veterans helps establish that core.
Then you have the younger veterans like Backlund and Brodie who will help as well.
The last thing we want is to go all in with youth, and then try to add veterans after the fact (ala Edmonton) because at that point the youth already feel like it is their team and the veterans will have less of a voice in the locker room.
By having a group of 5 or 6 veterans who have stayed with the Flames through the rebuild it will really help with building the identity and culture we want, while also helping the young guys adjust to the NHL while not being handed the team.