Quote:
Originally Posted by Sylvanfan
Wouldn't we technically be in our 4th full season of the committed "rebuild"? Year one was 2013-2014 with Hartley coaching. Year 2 when they made the playoffs. Year three being last year, and this being year 4. I guess we are at 4 years since the team begrudgingly realized how bad they were, and had to sell off Iginla, while putting Bouwmeister up for sale on the discount rack.
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In my opinion any team engaged in a "rebuild" is looking at 5 years out of the playoffs before they are firmly back in them consistently. Once you have a team that has made the playoffs say 3 years in a row or 3/4 years the "rebuild" portion is basically over. More or less the core of the roster is set and from there it is about maximizing your chances year over year by adding and subtracting support pieces, goaltending and coaching.
The flames will probably be in that threshold for consistency in making the playoffs next season should they stay the course and it will be largely up to th group already assembled to get it done.
The flames have been remarkably lucky in my opinion in the quality of players they have been able to pick in the last 4 years which has helped speed things up, but unlike most contenders they will probably have to be extra ruthless when it comes to asset management because they are still so behind other organizations when it comes to prospects.
A bottom 5 finish this year could really help in solidifying the core group for next year.