Quote:
Originally Posted by Joborule
This organization lacks the inability to be forward thinking, and will only do it by accident when they have no viable choice since making playoffs isn't even a sure thing.
Hopefully were getting to that point that the organization realizes they can't build externally anymore, and have to focus on building from within. Don't even look at a UFA, or trading for older players at high price until the team is in sustained playoff contention position, and they're in position to supplement, while having good prospect depth.
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Step 1: Build a Championship quality foundation. That requires an elite #1 defenceman, elite #1 centre, top-end goalie.
Step 2: Draft and develop like one of the best teams in the league. This means prioritizing quantity of draft picks to help bolster the foundation.
The Flames may already have 1/3 of Step 1 completed thanks to Wolf, and they’re in the perfect position to execute the remainder of Step 1 and Step 2 given their 2024 UFA group.
This summer and next season should be a sell off. At no point should they be “trying to win” in 2023/2024. They shouldn’t even give themselves the opportunity. Lindholm, Hanifin, and Tanev should all be traded this off-season - and then they should not backfill with any big free agent signings. Retain salary to maximize returns where needed.
In-season you then look to move the remaining pending UFAs - Toffoli, Backlund, Zadorov - retaining salary where possible if you still have any retention spots left.