Quote:
Originally Posted by Fire of the Phoenix
Half the team can't be the core by definition. I'd argue prospects can't be core pieces either, they aren't yet proven. The core is five or so players that are the foundational pieces of the team. They are the players that will stay for 8-10 years optimally, and the other 15 or so players are interchangeable to a degree that they get too expensive to keep around.
Calgary's core
Giordano
Brodie
Monahan
Gaudreau
Players like Bennett and Ortio may become core pieces in time as well. Though who could've ever imagined Giordano would become so good? Who knows, in 3 or 4 years there might be a totally different core.
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I agree with this completely - Bennett is not a "core player" yet, though I would argue he is untouchable (right now at least) in terms of a trade, as his upside is so high and the organization hasn't yet seen much of him. Someone who has yet to play an NHL game should not be considered a core part of the team - though Bennett has the potential.
Reason I would not list Backund as core is because of Bennett - Backlund should be retained, but becomes able to be traded in future depending on how the Flames' centre prospects pan out