I believe that fear is misplaced. Early on in the Flames' rebuild, their were standing ovations from the crowd for their effort and entertainment value - even when they lost at times.
Factor-in Edmonton to the equation. They have continually supported that no good team through embarrassing seasons.
Yes, there is impatience in any Canadian market, but I do think that most people are understanding of what a rebuild entails. What people get sick of is mediocrity in both the standings and the on-ice entertainment value.
Also of consideration - anyone in Calgary a 'marketable face'? It was Giordano's team entering the rebuild, but he is aging. Monahan was the heir apparent - but he just isn't that dynamic presence, and a good segment of the fans want him run out of town now. Gaudreau definitely was becoming the 'face of the franchise' - he was electric and a terrific story, but again, a large segment of the fanbase want him gone.
I don't know for sure myself obviously, but I do think that fear is misplaced. With the world going through a terrible pandemic, I can't imagine ticket sales are going to be a thing in the upcoming season, so that's one 'free' season of rebuilding where a team doesn't have to worry about low ticket sales and apathy relative to its' peers.
I am not sure a rebuild SHOULD happen again, but I do think that if the Flames are moving Gaudreau and Monahan, with Brodie leaving and Giordano aging- they probably aren't going to get players back at that level, and then you just might as well enter a full rebuild. As I have stated in previous posts, I am ok with either entering a rebuild, or going full out with the existing core somehow.
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