[sureLoss]

http://www.nicholsonhockey.com/worth...enators-flames

Bob McKenzie was on Toronto’s TSN 1050 on Tuesday afternoon.

On the Ottawa Senators and Calgary Flames being the two lowest-spending teams in the NHL, and how while there is criticism of that fact in Ottawa because they want to be competitive right now, it seems strategic for the Flames at the beginning of a development cycle so they leave room to retain the core as they age:

“Yeah, I think so... I don’t think they’re afraid to pull the chequebook out if it needs to be pulled out. But you’re right - they’re a fairly young team and as young teams get older, and even in fairness, again – there’s no question the Senators are where they are budget-wise because that’s where Eugene Melnyk wants them to be. But there’s also an element of there’s some young players who haven’t really hit their salary zenith yet and you’ve got to leave room for that. And certainly the Flames are doing that.

“But I’ll tell you what: If the Flames could make a deal to add a big-name player, I don’t think they’d hesitate to do it if they thought it if they thought it made sense long-term for the building of the franchise.”