Quote:
Originally Posted by TheSquatch
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.
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I am not stating that this team is a bona fide cup contender. I mean, maybe they are, maybe they aren't. It is pretty tough to figure that out when coaching has been such an issue. However, even taking the argument of "This team needs to make massive moves to become a cup contender" (arguing about how close or how far they are isn't the point I am making), we first have to do a proper analysis of this team.
Has this team been successful in the past? No. But this team hasn't had proper coaching either.
We have a proper coach now. Before moving the players, let's figure out which players fit within his style of play. Keep those players (no matter how good or not they are perceived to be) as 'untouchables' so to speak, and concentrate on moving the players out that don't fit. Use the players - whomever they may be - to then acquire other players that fit the holes and play style of the team.
I think that's the logical approach to building a contender.
I also think that trading some of the talent on the team is going to result in getting less talented players back. I am actually ok with this, as long as those players fit this team. But if you make those trades, and the piece doesn't fit, then you are shooting yourself in the foot and spinning your wheels.
I watched Calgary spin their wheels for 3 seasons under Brent Sutter's tenure. I am tired of watching this team continue spinning wheels from Gulutzan through to now.
Now is the time to figure out what you have and what you need, based on how the players are working AND performing under Darryl. Make your moves based on that. You can definitely put some thought into past performances and so on, but the Flames haven't played in a system that is this much 'work' since Hartley. Let's see which players can handle that workload and have that commitment first and see who starts fading away.
My philosophy has always been that the teams that have the most success in the NHL are the teams that are the best built. Not always the most talented, but the best built. Find a strong coach, figure out how you want to play, and find the players that will thrive under that system and environment. Not everyone on this team is going to want to do (or will even be able to) what Darryl asks of them. Some may surprise you (like Leivo so far in the very short sample size). Keep an open mind and sharp eyes out until the trade deadline (April 12 - 1 month away). I wish it was at least 2 months to properly assess, but not all the pieces will be moved out and moved in this season. You start the process this trade deadline day, and continue it through the off-season.
Now, it goes without saying that if Buffalo calls Treliving and dangles Eichel for pennies on the dollar (or any good deals), that Treliving should of course shouldn't wait. If some talented players pop-up that have that kind of effort and have thrived under similar environments, of course you don't wait.
Point is, that this team shouldn't be the ones actively shopping players right now. Assess first, then start shopping at the TD, but keep their eyes open for any potential good fits and good deals.