Quote:
Originally Posted by bubbsy
I think that's a bit harsh. The flames had one complete exception year before treliving,and other than that, the team has performed about the same: below average.
His biggest fault has been over estimating the team and spending assets a team that is still essentially rebuilding simply cannot afford (1st & 2nd round picks).
My 'hot take' is the flames would have not been all that much better or worse the last few years had they not made the Hamilton and hamonic deals. Those assets would have been rounding out by now....
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Treliving understands the value of draft picks. If I recall correctly, he has stated that drafting and developing is the life blood of an organization (paraphrasing).
He spent the first two seasons buying 'currency', ie: draft picks. The Hudler and Glencross trades speak to this, and the organization used them wisely. Simultaneously, he acquired young players to complement the core that was in place. Hamilton & Hamonic were age appropriate acquisitions. Further they carry value moving forward. The Flames got younger and acquired (likely) core pieces in the Hamilton deal & Hamonic is an in-his-prime RHS D on a very team friendly contract. That type of asset has very good value.
I suspect it won't be long before Treliving starts flipping current roster players to replenish the picks he has spent over the past couple seasons. For example, where does Sam Bennett fit in moving forward? At this point he is clearly behind Gaudreau and Tkachuk on the left and baring significant injury to other players his time at C looks to be over. I wouldn't be surprised in the least to see Dillon Dube in his spot by next years draft, or sooner.
This season or next, the Flames are going to have to make room for Anderson, Valamaki, and Kylington. What does that mean for Stone, Hamonic, Brodie?
If the Flames want, they can recoup picks. They are well positioned from a developmental prespective to be a competitive team for the foreseeable future and beyond. That is a testament to the work Treliving has done.