Quote:
Originally Posted by SilverKast
I read an interesting article (on the Athletic I think?) where they related that the most proven method of NFL draft success was trading back in the draft and accumulating more picks. Given that there are more players on the field at once, and a lot more positions, not sure if this would also work in the NHL?
They said that even though teams know this is what works best, they're reluctant to do so because no one wants the possibility of losing out on the shiny new toy of a high draft pick. Even though trading back results in higher probabilities of drafting multiple productive players and produces a much stronger talent base. That and the fact that a lot of players just don't turn out, so having more bullets in the chamber sort of thing.
I'd sure prefer the Flames to keep their picks, and accumulate more to build up a strong talent base. Not sure about the trading back and getting more picks thing though - I'm still not sure it would translate in the NHL like the NFL.
But we definitely need to build up our talent. When I look at our team and it's overall prospects I don't see anything that screams contender. If they want to continue to be a mediocre team that's fine, but at least don't pretend otherwise. It seems like Conroy wants to build it up, but it will take a few years to get a good read on their actions.
Fingers crossed!
|
I think the key difference is in the NFL draft is, you usually get players that are ready to contribute in later rounds from day 1. You usually have a QB coming off a rookie pay scale that has been paid, now you need talent on cheap contracts.
The NHL is more draft and develop. It's easier to trade back when your roster already has stars on it, and you are creating a new cycle of players to take spots of vets in a few years once they are priced out.
Tampa spent a lot of draft capital on on Goodrow and Coleman. It was worth it, but those guys played so well that Tampa couldn't afford them and they didn't have any talent to take over. So they went shopping again and wasted picks on a Tanner Jeanot.
Now they have a depleted prospect base, with a roster that is aging out and not much to spend in terms of money.