Quote:
Originally Posted by Bend it like Bourgeois
It was 1 first and 2 seconds for a 22 year old potential all star. A younger, better player than Chychrun for the same price - and his trade was panned.
Leaving the team with an all star calibre player at centre (x2), wing, and D, all under 23.That's brilliant.
In typical flames fashion it went to #### but the flames were clearly rebuilding ~2011-2016, and clearly should have been trying to take the next step afterward.
I think some need to remember when.
The flames had 18 yr old Sam, Mony, Johnny, Then Hamilton, and Tkachuk.
You'd be nuts not to add to that group with UFAs and go for it.
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That's where you lost me. I loved the Hamilton deal and you're right, it set them up with another core piece. I loved the 2nd Hamilton deal too...
But jumping into free agency? Not yet, unless you are somehow landing a star player. Middling players like Brouwer, Neal, and Coleman are overpaid the day they sign and don't move the needle. They should be the final pieces, not building blocks.
Likewise, another swing for the fences trade for Hamonic was too much. They needed to be patient. Draft a couple more 1st rounders and a handful of second rounders and build real organizational depth. Then, when you're good and ready, trade some of your prospect depth for players who are ready now and sign a key FA to finish the puzzle. That's the recipe - look at how the Kings built.