Quote:
Originally Posted by howard_the_duck
I don’t think a modern rebuild is 8 years. Even the last flames attempt, if you call it that, was more like 3 years and it fully refreshed the core. Had things not gone awry with Bennett perhaps it might have even worked.
It’s more of a young man’s game than ever, so 3 years of excess picks (multiple first rounders and sprinkled in a couple of top 10 picks) gives you a big shot in the arm in your NHL roster, and I think more excitement from the fanbase, than the aging, but failing, win-now edition of the flames.
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I think the concept of a "rebuild" is antiquated. For a small market to compete, I think you need to look at it as a pipeline. Perpetually hoard futures, be eager to move anyone over the age of 25 who isn't a franchise player (for futures, obviously), treat your core as a rotating door of young up-and-coming players, never make any significant UFA or trade deadline acquisitions unless absolutely necessary, etc. The franchise will operate very much like an NCAA sports team, where players typically have a 4-5 year shelf life and in any 4-6 year window the core will have almost completely changed. Team success will be driven by successful scouting and development, as such the franchise will need a top notch team here which will cost top dollar. Having a coaching staff specializing in player development will be critical as well.
Running the franchise this way will make it attractive to young players because it almost guarantees career development and advancement. Getting drafted by such a franchise, you know that in 2-3 years time you and your cohorts will be depended upon for team success. There won't be a glut of veterans blocking your path to the NHL, for better or worse.
Among the challenges will be remaining above the cap floor, remaining consistently competitive year over year, keeping the fanbase engaged with the ever changing roster, etc. But as long as the scouting and development teams do their jobs, there will be more competitive seasons than not, and when the team struggles, it will only mean more ammunition for the scouts in the offseason. There will also be more direct job performance for these roles as there won't be a way to cheat into a winning franchise through free agency.
Not that any of this will ever happen with the Calgary Flames.