I think the next 3-5 years will be the true testament to just how good the Flames' management team is. So far so good, but the hard work is just beginning.
Drafting, developing and signing those players is always a huge part of the franchise plan. With the cap how do you keep that "window" open?
Glen Sather just throws gobs of money at players to assemble competetive teams, but it handcuffs the franchise. Edmonton's only hope is to draft and develop well to capitalize on them before they sign their big contracts, because to fill out the roster they have to throw gobs of money at average players to get them to play there.
Chicago is seemingly the gold standard. Just when you think they are approaching cap hell, they keep on winning. LA was on the cusp of that standard, but now they have cap issues. Its just so tough to do.
It seems the formula is to have great coaching, truly elite talent to make up your core, later round draft picks that turn into something and UFA vets on decent contracts to fill out the roster and a drafting and development factory so that the cupboard is always stocked. Piece of cake.
If I see a future issue with the Flames roster it is that there is a lot of really good players that either are on long term contracts making big money, or will be soon demanding long term contracts with big money.
My head says Hudler, Wideman, Jones are all but gone. Russell will have the choice to stay if he is willing to accept less money and a smaller roll.
Ferland is the xfactor at forward, if he can realize his potential and be a good player that can play in the top six, that fills a big hole. If he fritters away, then there is a rather gaping hole in the top six.
These are mostly my random musings. It is amazing how we have gone from discussing years of rebuilding to talking about a potential "window" that is fast approaching. Whatever happens I think the team is in great hands.
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