Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.Coffee
I think one of the biggest factors is likelihood to win. Seems to me like the years after 2004 it was much easier to get high profile players to play in Calgary but when the going gets tough, yikes. So while I’m sure weather and all that matters, I think winning likely matters most (maybe after how much $$$$)
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Sutter was able to sign UFAs, and retain UFAs, but I think that was by largely by design. He put a lot of emphasis on trading for and signing guys who he already know could both (1) play Sutter hockey and (2) wanted to play Sutter hockey. And that made players much easier to extend, many with discounts.
The team under Sutter had an identity, it had success playing that identity, and it attracted players who identified with that style of hockey. It helped immensely that the core of the franchise - Iginla, Regher, Dion, etc. - all played that style of hockey.