Quote:
Originally Posted by PepsiFree
Then I think you’re inadvertently making my point. The last rebuild took too long and the Flames had nothing to show for it outside of two trips to the second round (one very early). By the time they were actually close to being considered legitimate contenders, their two stars were ready to enter the final “big” contract of their careers.
At that point, you’re pretty much forced into retooling or starting over, which is what Florida, Edmonton, Colorado, and Tampa Bay all had to do.
If this team is going to win a cup without having to go through this exact same thing within the next 6-8 years, they’re more likely going to do it in 4-5. We should expect a contender in 4, at very least, or face reality.
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Tkachuk was 25, Gaudreau would’ve been 29, and they would’ve continued to dominate together.
Lindholm would’ve continued to be an 80 point centre and would have extended, which we would have wanted.
Markstrom wouldn’t be on his way out, he’d just be backstopped by Wolf.
Hanifin probably stays too.
It would’ve opened up a whole new window, where they could pull another Hamilton style trade.
The two best players abandoned them. Trying to patch over shah with Huberdeau and Kadri was a bad decision on ownership’s part, motivated by ego and hurt feelings.
They misjudged how excited this market would be to watch a bad team with exciting young players who try.