Quote:
Originally Posted by devo22
you can absolutely rebuild with huge long-term contracts on the books. Chicago kept Kane and Toews, L.A. kept Kopitar and Doughty, and I'm sure there's more examples. It would have obviously been much easier, had they committed to a rebuild when Johnny bolted and Tkachuk wanted out ... not trading Tkachuk for a "win now" package and not giving up a 1st to sign Kadri would have made things a lot easier. But if they flip Hanifin, Lindholm, Zadorov and Tanev at some point this season, they can still amass a nice collection of future assets that will help right the ship. And honestly, after seeing the first part of the season, no one can seriously argue that re-signing these players will get this team anywhere.
Problem is that I just don't see ownership being on board with this. If the options are brutally tearing it down or keep trying and ending up in mediocrity, the Flames will always settle for the second option.
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Big difference is that Kane and Toews were near the end of their contracts when Chicago pivoted to rebuild. Kopitar/Doughty better examples, but both of those players were playing well.
Calgary can indeed rebuild, it will just take longer. Will ownership allow it? They wouldn't when Johnny and Tkachuk bolted, which was the opportune time to do it. We can criticize Treliving all we want, but I doubt he had much choice but to sign Hubby and go for it.