[Cali Panthers Fan]

Haven't read the rest of this thread, but here goes:

Firstly, when you're rebuilding, your core should consist mostly of players on the right side of 30. If they're 30 or older, you really need to consider them essential pieces to future success, otherwise they should be considered expendable. For those reasons alone, Giordano and Hudler are still "core" pieces.

Veteran core: Giordano, Hudler.

To me, it starts in net and you build from there up the middle of the ice. You need blue chip goalie prospects, and lots of depth in that position, which the Flames currently have. Yes Hiller is our stater right now, but there's a reason he was only given a 2 year deal and not a 5 or 6 year deal. He's an average to better-than-average placeholder until one of Gillies or Ortio claim that spot. So for those reasons, Gillies and Ortio are my core goaltending pieces.

Goalies: Ortio, Gillies.

Then look at how your defense is constructed. We have some nice mobile players who are good pieces to build around, but we definitely need 1 or 2 more big, physical, shutdown players. For my money, Giordano, Brodie, and even Russell are core pieces to build around, even if Russell only ends up being a 3rd pairing guy on a contending team.

Defense: Giordano, Brodie, Russell.

Center ice is even more important than it was a few years ago, and to win these days you need dominant centermen. I believe we have those pieces in place right now with Bennett, Monahan, and Backlund, each playing a different role. Bennett is your top line high-skilled center. Monahan is your 2-way center that can play defense and offense equally well, but not superstar level at either. Backlund is your modern-day shutdown center, who uses speed, hockey IQ, tenacity, and some skill to shutdown the oppositions best line and add some offense every few games...also an energy line to turn the tide. For those reasons, these 3 are part of the core for a long time.

Centers: Bennett, Monahan, Backlund.

Wingers: Much more interchangeable and found on the open market, except for top end skilled scoring wingers. Those are difficult to get and should be retained at all costs, so long as they are able to contribute defensively. Hudler and Gaudreau fit the bill, even though Hudler is older. Poirier is a good young player, but I wouldn't be shocked if he were part of a package to get a bonafide NHL top flight scorer. Also, players with intangibles, leadership, and some offense should be retained, especially if they are game changers. Lance Bouma is turning into a game changer, so he should be retained for a long time.

Wingers: Hudler, Gaudreau, Bouma.