because they're still young. As they mature, I doubt any of those guys are considered "support" players. Backlund is becoming a solid third line player, Brodie is (or at least was last year) a #2 defenseman, Monahan was one of our best players and Johnny hockey looks like he has the skill to put most players to shame. Calling those guys "support" players really isn't that accurate. If you factor in that there are still guys like Klimchuck, Gillies, Ortio, Sven and all the other prospects we have, we're doing well (even if they don't all develop into quality players).
There will always be a need to sign some players or trade for some players but if you're looking to build a team, it's usually around someone you draft. It is extremely rare to find a "franchise" player to build around through trade or UFA signing let alone say that's how it should be done.
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Fan of the Flames, where being OK has become OK.
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