Quote:
Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina
I don't disagree, but what signs are there that the organization is suddenly changing it's approach?
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I appreciate the pragmatism in your voice, and concur that organizational history doesn't suggest a change in direction, but unless the powers that be have absolutely disconnected their collective thinkers, there is no way to deny that an iceberg is directly in their path. Regardless of the degree to which the cap goes up, there can't be a world where guys like Lindholm, Hanifin, Toffoli, Dube and others will soon get the market value contracts they will be seeking with Kadri and Huberdeau on the books long term. Fiscal reality dictates that this is highly unlikely. That would be stacking aging, expensive component on top of aging, expensive component without any real expectation of improvement. That is Oileresque activity without Oiler level talent. They have to see this. (hope, hope...)
I guess that is what I have as a fan, hope. This team has reached the point where they will end up looking absolutely foolish if they persist in committing significant resources to players who are apex/approaching post apex. While it may be difficult to take a step back, that's better than walking off the edge of a cliff in a couple of years. Assuming Backlund would like to remain a Flame for his career, I believe it would be prudent to deal both Toffoli and Lindholm before the season starts. We have seen the best of both players, and while they are both good players, their greatest value at this point is what they offer in terms of accelerating the next competitive window for this team. The Flames have some good, young peripheral components coming through the ranks, but must find a way to find 2-3 1st line/ top pairing players to build around. While it's not a given, the draft is the best way to find these players, and the Flames need to be willing to absorb the risk that comes with investing in the draft if they truly want to escape the vortex of mediocrity they have been in for decades.
So in response to your sentiments, yeah, I would imagine the Flames are plotting to find a way to re-sign Lindhholm, Toffoli, and Hanifin long term, in an effort to chase something which has been unobtainable with these guys being affordable, and at their peak. My hope is that their is a growing voice within the decision making ranks that is open to actually appreciating the reality around them.