Really given the age of Markstrom, Lindholm, Backlund, Coleman, Tanev, Mangiapane, Toffoli, etc this team really isn't in a position to rebuild as a lot of their best players are either in their prime or nearing their best before date. They have no 1st round pick and just 3 picks in the entire upcoming draft so it's simply not a good time to rebuild. In the event Gaudreau leaves they would be best served being aggressive in free agency for a player like Forsberg or Kadri. I have no issue with the Flames rebuilding but I think that has to come naturally through poor play and bad seasons. Coming from a 111 point season I just don't think it's practical to throw in the towel even if your best player leaves as remember the Islanders actually got better when Tavares left.
|