Success for me is measured by how much closer they are to Lord Stanley.
That doesn't mean playoffs for me, but it could.
I want to see some of the following:
1) Guys who have value but are not part of the future being traded for more futures or young players.
2) I want to see the existing young guys on the team take another step forward in their careers and placement on the team. I want to see Gaudreau, Bennett, Monahan, Brodie and Hamilton each take a step forward. I want to see Ferland and Colborne displace Jones. I want to see Jooris take another step forward and become a regular player. I want to see Granlund become the player we think he is - start really sniping some pucks in the net and being a solid 2-way player that Hartley throws out in any situation. I want to see these kids get the ice-time and roles out of deserving them, not just because they are young. I want to see them take this team over. I want to see some kids from Stockton push their way up here and make it impossible to return them.
That is what I call a successful season.
That, and stomp on Edmonton and Vancouver. Playoffs? I will be cheering for them like crazy, and hoping the Flames make it. Top 5 pick - well, I can't cheer for it, but if the Flames don't make the playoffs, I sure hope they get into the top 5. Either one will be the icing on the cake for me. I just want to see this team take another step towards building a true contender that will eventually win the cup. That is success for me. Not necessarily something I measure in the standings.
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