It always comes down to money. Perhaps Edwards' friends in high places really want to keep a competitive team going? None of us are owners to understand the complex relationships owners have with stakeholders, but the root of it is almost certainly money.
As for @gamesaver, the only way to truly have a high chance at a franchise player is through the draft. Gaudreau wasn't a franchise player, though we definitely lucked out on him. Drafting is always chance with some game theory involved. Some teams are better at drafting than others, but it's more than just knowing what you're looking for and psychology. Those teams that got those guys if they knew they were going to be that good, would have drafted them earlier. It's chance, and your best chance is if you draft high. Additionally you have to have the support staff and system set up to develop these guys. I don't know where the Flames have faltered, but in many ways their minor league development hasn't produced NHL level talent much. Gotta pick that up when the time is right.
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