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blender · 09-09-2020, 02:47 PM

I spent last weekend with a friend who is a high-level executive at a major corporation and also a Flames fan.
We talked about processes and systems, and about building a business or organization in general.

It was interesting to me that we agreed without reservation that there is only one way forward for the Flames. Continue building on what they have, which by any measure is above average. Now, above average doesn't sound all that great, but when you consider the age of the core pieces and upside, you realize that there is a lot to like.

So the question is how do the Flames get better?

With the parity in the league today, as well as the flat cap for the next 3 seasons, and the randomness of the draft lottery system, rebuilding is not a viable option, at least not for a team with a young core showing above average results. If you want a scorched earth rebuild with draft picks better find another team to cheer for because it won't happen. And it shouldn't happen.

There are a lot of absolutes thrown about in these discussions:
You can't win without an elite number one center.
You can't trade for a number one center.
Your number one center must be a play-driver.
You can't win without an elite coach
An elite coach is always an elite coach (anyone remember Todd McClellan?)
Flames ownership is/has always been ________.

These are examples, and they have one common theme: magic bullet solutions.

The reality is you put the best roster and coaching staff together that you can and you take your shot. There is a tremendous amount of luck involved in pro sports, but you can't win anything if you are rebuilding. Conversely, you can do everything right and still not win. Look at Boston the last 2 seasons.

I still believe the Flames have the best team they have had in at least 10 years. There is only one path forward in my mind. Improve the roster however you can.

The means of improvement are up for debate and that is what this thread is for, so fair play to all that contribute. Just remember that there are no certainties, only plays and results.

09-09-2020, 02:47 PM	#5220
blender First Line Centre Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Kamloops Exp:	I spent last weekend with a friend who is a high-level executive at a major corporation and also a Flames fan. We talked about processes and systems, and about building a business or organization in general. It was interesting to me that we agreed without reservation that there is only one way forward for the Flames. Continue building on what they have, which by any measure is above average. Now, above average doesn't sound all that great, but when you consider the age of the core pieces and upside, you realize that there is a lot to like. So the question is how do the Flames get better? With the parity in the league today, as well as the flat cap for the next 3 seasons, and the randomness of the draft lottery system, rebuilding is not a viable option, at least not for a team with a young core showing above average results. If you want a scorched earth rebuild with draft picks better find another team to cheer for because it won't happen. And it shouldn't happen. There are a lot of absolutes thrown about in these discussions: You can't win without an elite number one center. You can't trade for a number one center. Your number one center must be a play-driver. You can't win without an elite coach An elite coach is always an elite coach (anyone remember Todd McClellan?) Flames ownership is/has always been ________. These are examples, and they have one common theme: magic bullet solutions. The reality is you put the best roster and coaching staff together that you can and you take your shot. There is a tremendous amount of luck involved in pro sports, but you can't win anything if you are rebuilding. Conversely, you can do everything right and still not win. Look at Boston the last 2 seasons. I still believe the Flames have the best team they have had in at least 10 years. There is only one path forward in my mind. Improve the roster however you can. The means of improvement are up for debate and that is what this thread is for, so fair play to all that contribute. Just remember that there are no certainties, only plays and results.