[TheSquatch]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

Absolutely! There shouldn't be a 'push' to make a change any longer on this team. Let's see how this team is performing under Darryl, and what kind of pieces are missing. I would want the Flames to acquire players in trades that actually have a playstyle that supports the coach's philosophy, and can fill a hole. I mean, the top RW spot is a hole that you can see from outer space, but it may not be that important as it seems with the Flames capable of rolling 3 lines.


I think it is much more important for the Flames to analyze the players under Sutter, and after a stretch they can better figure out which players should stay, which are expendable as trade chips to improve the roster, and which players have to be jettisoned. I think if all you do is think: "RW hole - let's try to get any bona fide 1st line RW than we can obtain", then you run the risk of using up valuable assets on something that won't pan out anyway.



Give Darryl a good stretch of games, see how the players perform, and then start making moves (if necessary - Flames may never lose again!), starting with the trade deadline and continuing into the off-season.


I didn't want to see big trades happening under Ward's tenure, as I felt this team needed a proper coach first. Flames just got him now, and it is time to give him the rope to do his job with the existing players, and then ask him: "Who do you like to stay, who is fine but expendable, and who do you want off this team?", with the follow-up question: "What holes do you see on the roster, and what type of player do you to fill it?"


When Sutter was both GM and Coach, his trades were money. They usually resulted in that spot being filled perfectly. He addressed the needs of the team through trades. The more years went by, the trades didn't have the same impact or fit.


This won't be about Darryl Sutter getting 'Partial GM duties" or "Roster movement decisions". It is about what I think every single team in the NHL should be doing with a coach they trust - work with him in finding the right pieces to support how he wants this team to play. Sutter won't get a yay or nay, but he should most definitely be consulted (after getting to know the roster and seeing how the players adjust).



Should take time. Unless something really juicy is made available, or a deal that is just too good to refuse, I think the best move is to wait and see on this roster and what's really missing.

We know what pieces are missing. Elite 1C, at least 1 top end right winger, and possibly top end LW as well. The team isn't magically a cup contender because Darryl showed up. It's still iffy for bottom 6 forwards and the 5,6 D. I mean, it's great that Leivo scored, but if you think that he was the problem on this team... well, that would only show how poor the team is. BT needs to get some work done. Getting a real coach was just the beginning.