Quote:
Originally Posted by GioforPM
See, this kind of thing provides some subtext. You are, in fact saying it’s the Flames’ fault that a 1C hasn’t been obtained. “Excuses” implies that the Flames had the opportunity but blew it. That’s not necessarily the case.
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You make a good point.
However, as a small Canadian market team where you have NTC/NMC clause issues, high taxes, 'Canada media/fan pressure', etc, at some point I would expect the franchise to realize that the only way till fill certain crucial roles deterministically (ie. Not assuming to stumble upon another u drafted Norris winning dman as an example), is thru the draft. Not just that, but if requires swooping into high lottery pick territory to get those pieces. As such, I think any org, but particularly markets like cgy, where free agency and the trade market aren't really channels to bring in talent to extend contending windows, the org must have a regular rebuild cycle every 7-10 years.
We had our last rebuild (our only rebuild in the cap era) about 7-8 years ago. That cycle of team building has more or less capped out and ultimately went as far as it can. They can try to extend the contention period (but let's face it, Calgary is a long shot in the sweepstakes for guys likd eichel), but realistically, the org is just spinning it's wheels for this season at least.
Going back to the original point, flames have only made 1 realistic push to land the elusive top line C, which was drafting monahan/Bennett during this last rebuild. Unfortunately, it didn't work out.
They will need to go this route again, in the near future, the next rebuilding phase of a team building cycle, to try to get that top line C.
That is the primary reason I am fully on board with the eichel chase. It allows you to get that piece (25 year old, #1C, signed with term). It's such a one off scenario, flames have to consider it. I really can't think of any real package (outside of multiple 1st round picks) I'd be hesitant to include in the package.