Quote:
Originally Posted by Lanny_McDonald
Think what you want but I have that from a guy who has coached in that system and he says there is such an anti-Canada sentiment in everything they do that he would not want to take the risk of drafting a player with that mindset. He says it's just getting worse as US hockey gets better and better. These kids hate Canada more than they hate Russia. It's a risk he says he would not take as a small market Canadian team. To me, the Flames should not be getting involved with possible flight risks and instead select players that aren't adverse to Canada and want to be in Calgary long-term.
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Drafting a lesser player or settling on someone simply because of nationality is a quick way to end up missing over and over again. Regardless, I have a hard time believing that assessment of hatred when there are numerous examples of US players choosing to sign long term in Canada. It's really just pure bunk. I can easily think of half a dozen elite level players that either re-upped long term or have stayed in Canada longer than they could have before forcing a move or simply leaving and that's without even trying.
Regardless, the Flames need to be incredibly smart with American or any foreign player for that matter. You can't be an idiot about it and not extend a high end player when you have a chance to do it, cap aside. You just get it done and if the best before tag is approaching, cut your losses and trade the asset while value is still high.