Quote:
Originally Posted by AcGold
Do we really need Mcdavid? We need a well rounded team where people want to sign and UFA's in the 3-7 AAV range want to come here. I hope we make the playoffs which would take Ramo, Giordano, Brodie, Monahan and Backlund all staying healthy. Then when we do we sign a few UFA's that are actually worth their pay and we continue to progress, no Mcdavid, last place is counterproductive.
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McDavid would be amazing, but I won't be crying if we don't get him - especially if we get Kylington or Hanifin. Monahan and Bennett are both projected to be top line centers and with Jankowski, Backlund, Granlund as possible #2/3 centers this isn't a situation where we are filled with solely 2nd/3rd liners and hoping to sneak into the playoffs. Acquiring that #1, big-minute all-around defenseman through the draft without having to give up Bennett or Monahan would probably complete our prospect base.
A team like Pittsburgh has the two of the best centers in the league and still have struggled because they have failed to build a complete team. Their cup win in 09 and other finals appearance in 08 happened when offensive powerhouses still thrived from the post-lockout game. The last few years have changed - the most complete teams now have won the cup.
If McDavid or Eichel was on the board of course you take them immediately. But if the Flames had McDavid/Bennett/Monahan but still lacked a #1 defenseman they may still be at a disadvantage against the likes of Chicago, Los Angeles, and Boston. We may have to trade one of them (which is something I wouldn't want) to address that need.
I'd be satisfied if the Flames finish in the 6-10 draft pick range (still get a good player), but the work ethic/identity of this team remains strong and our young players takes the steps forward needed which results in said improvement in the standings. Not to mention that more wins would build an atmosphere in which our current young players feel like they are a part of the solution, increasing the chances that they would want to stay here long term. I think is probably the scenario Treliving wants the most as well when he says he is looking for improvement.
Or if the Flames are scraping the bottom near the end of the season, that is when I hope we get a high draft pick.