Quote:
Originally Posted by Locke
I think we dont draft until the 4th round in 2018? I think thats your answer.
Significant assets were expended, I dont get the impression that this was part of management's anticipation to just be part of the pack dogfighting for the last playoff spot.
|
That's not how I would answer the question.
The assets were not spent on short-term rentals for 1 year. Rather they were largely spent
- To address the #1 need on the team (goaltending) that was going to otherwise prevent the team from having any chance of competing
- To bring in a guy, in the prime years of his career, as an addition to the core.
The value of those deals and the assets spent extend beyond this year. I think they were brought in to kick the window wider - but I don't think they move the Flames into the true upper echelon.
On paper do I think the Flames are one of the best 5 teams in the NHL? No.
Did I think would be securely in a playoff spot at this point? No.
When I look at the teams near and around the Flames it seems to me they all have similar talent levels and flaws.
So i'm not sure why people expected them to be way further ahead at this point. I just don't see it based on the roster assembled.