Quote:
Originally Posted by CliffFletcher
Very few players are difference-makers in the NHL until draft+2. Even if the Flames hit the jackpot in the upcoming draft- say a Stutlze at #3 OA - that’s one player, who if we’re fortunate, will a difference-maker in the 2025-26 season
Tkachuk is D+5
Stutlze D+3
Sanderson D+3
Three home run picks over the span of three drafts. To go along with Chabot, Chychrun, Giroux, Batherson, and Norris. And they’re still not a playoff team.
Two year rebuilds aren’t a thing.
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Fully agreed. You need a hit on multiple points which makes it hard, but ultimately you help your odds by drafting high for a few years. Toronto hit many home runs with Matthews, Nylander, Marner, but they also did well with their college signings and guys who seemingly came out of nowhere when drafted or developed after trading (like Hyman or Campbell). Ownership has to make a commitment to pour money into development and scouting while missing the playoff revenue for a few years, in order to build a team with hope and sustainability. It really is a 3 year project to get the young assets, then build promise by showing growth in developing that talent through wins. It's a commitment though.