Quote:
Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction
Not re-signing Gaudreau early wasn't the main issue. The main issue was letting him walk to free agency. As soon as Gaudreau said he didn't want to talk contract until the end of the season, he should have been traded. Calgary is not a team that can afford to let franchise players in the prime go for nothing. You just don't take those risks as if you are a New York or Miami that can always lure a replacement.
I realize it would have been unpopular with some fans, but the GM's job is to make the best asset management decisions and not fan-pleasing. He took a huge risk and it backfired.
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I completely disagree. At the trade deadline last year, Calgary had the best line in hockey, and a team that was clicking both offensively and defensively. Add to that, they had arguably the easiest path to the conference finals due to how weak the Pacific division was. There was no way it made any sense to trade Johnny at that point and cut off one of their better chances to win a cup. That is not how a team should be operating unless you want to be the Coyotes.