Quote:
Originally Posted by howard_the_duck
The Flames need desperately to draft and develop their own talent, to build up talent on ELC, and to eventually recycle this core. That happens through the draft. We've got a great amateur scouting team. They need more at-bats, especially with big roster turnover on the horizon with all the UFAs.
Keller is a great asset for a contending team that can afford to part with draft capital and prospects. It's a moot argument, because he's worth a 1st ++, not just a first, and it's the last thing the Flames can afford at this juncture.
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I agree that Keller might not be the guy for this team right now given the cost to acquire him but he is certainly worth a look if there is a way to pull it off.
But I think the argument that the Flames should never trade a first round pick is shortsighted (acknowledging you didn’t say this but it was stated earlier). Young talent is young talent. Doesn’t matter how you acquire it. Whether it’s a first round pick, seventh round pick, college/European FA, or trade, doesn’t matter. I don’t think hoarding draft picks is a sure fire road to success and I don’t think Edwards sees it that way as well.