Quote:
Originally Posted by GioforPM
I think the fact that the Flames are bidding for a PO spot way ahead of schedule has clouded some folks' memory of what they are trying to do. It's the second full year of the rebuild.
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Yep. The NHL is littered with teams mired in mediocrity because they prematurely abandon rebuilds.
I've said it for years, but the franchise that should be the real bogeyman to Flames fans isn't the Oilers, it's the Leafs. We simply aren't an awful enough organization to become the Oilers. But we are wealthy enough - and judging by fans - impatient and delusional enough to cement our reputation as the Leafs west.
Overrating prospects? Check.
Pinning hopes on wildly imbalanced trades? Check.
Letting every sniff of success whip ourselves into playoff fever? Check.
Impatient with a true, long-term rebuild? Check.
Belief that if they get into the playoffs anything can happen? Check.
Now, I actually have confidence that Treliving understand the patience required for a rebuild (not so sure about Burke, though). He understands that it's not just a matter of out-drafting every other team in the NHL. It's about building up a stock of drafts picks and prospects to put as many bullets in the chamber. Letting UFAs walk in the hopes of maybe increasing your chances of sneaking into the playoffs is flat-out bad asset management for a team that's building for the future.