Quote:
Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist
I think that's his point. There was no youth to develop though so it's a bad comparison.
The playoffs would be a valuable learning experience for Monahan, Gaudreau, Jooris, Brodie, etc plus any call ups. There were no comparables in 04 really. Phaneuf I guess?
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Agreed. But even more than a learning experience, this is exactly what the players play for. They don't give a crap if the team is "rebuilding", they still want to win just the same.
To build a team, you just don't need a bunch of draft picks. You need a relationship of trust between players and management. Players need to know that if they sign in Calgary, the management and owners have their interests at heart. Becoming a seller while gunning for playoff positioning would really hurt that.
Detroit probably epitomizes this building strategy. Players don't sign in Detroit (and often at a lower salary) because of the weather or amenities the city offers. Despite not being in prime draft positions, they have built a reputation and a culture that lures players and makes them stay. The Oilers on the other hand, are on the opposite side of the spectrum. They always "load the chamber" with draft picks, but because of their reputation and lack of success on the ice, they can't supplement their team with personnel outside of the draft.
I admit, it is a difficult balance to maintain. I just don't see the value in trading Glencross being worth more than the potential negative effect it would have on the team at this point.