If the deals are not overwhelmingly in the Flames favour there is no rush. The difference in losing Gaudreau for nothing was his intentions were up in the air.
The NHL isn’t a developmental league, but players need to be put in positions to succeed. Gaudreau blossomed because Hartley put him in that position. Highly unlikely Sutter would have, and the point is players need playing time to make mistakes, learn from them and let their talent emerge.
There are too above replacement level players on this roster to compete for a top 5 pick, even with the exodus. Get a haul of picks and prospects and let them play. Huska is the perfect coach to build trust and compete.
No more trades of 5th round picks for Ryan Carpenter.
Play hard, entertaining, competitive hockey and people will buy tickets. Maximize returns at the deadline.
Injuries happen so it isn’t inconceivable that a team who trades a 1st next year might fall off, or the current roster might lose enough man games to be a lottery team.
Bottom line is you can’t design a team or a culture to suck or embrace sucking.
Edmonton marginalized McDavid's talent because of their moronic plan.
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