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Originally Posted by TheSquatch

Tons of people, analysts, GMs, etc have spoken of the "Red Wings" model, where you have all this talent in the AHL, NHL ready guys, and they're really seasoned, and when you call them up, boom, no problem, they're ready.

The difference here is that the talent level is super mediocre mostly because the Flames draft mid-pack year after year because they make the playoffs or come close, year after year. So it's a cycle of mediocrity. It's less about philosophy and more about what you actually have on the farm.

Would we all like to see a few more young guys get a shot? Yes. But we need to remember the Sven Baertschi's and the Rob Shremps and the million other "next guy" guys that haven't cut it in the league.

I think it's obvious that Sutter would take a team of Ruzickas over a team of Phillips. And I think there's some merit in discussing whether this team (or this coach) is driving down desire for young players to sign here.

It's funny, because Holloway is probably the most obviously rushed player in the entire league right now. 3 points and -6 in 22 games for the Oilers.