As much as I and some others want to see a rebuild and a tear down, it won't happen. At the end of the day, it's a business to be run. Which means putting bums in seats, selling merch, selling concession. Putting your B/C squad out, torpedoing your best talent, or bringing on B/C talent, it is hard to imagine that will put bums in the seats (and thus revenue).
Is there a case to be made for early pain for more gain later? Absolutely. But when the Flames are 1 year removed from a dream season, and see 2 of their biggest stars leave, then followed by bringing on some perceived great replacement talent, only for it to fall on it's face.... What do you do? It's not like they have been perennially terrible. It could be viewed as an off year. But now we're talking about our next A level talents seeking other pastures.
I'd hate to be in Conroy's shoes. He's literally in a no-win situation as the commander in chief. But at the same time, he also has to think of the future. What can he do now, to put bums in the seats, yet also build on future.
I think Lindholm is a great player to keep and have for both those accounts. But at what cost (term and AAV)? I don't know the right answer. All i know if that I'll continue to cheer them on.
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