Quote:
Originally Posted by CliffFletcher
Tanking is a strategy employed by owners and GMs. Not coaches and players - they’re always trying to win. And yes, sometimes rebuilding teams land those top picks in a season when they planned to be pulling out of the bottom of the standings. There’s a lot of variance and unpredictability in hockey.
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So, who does tank? Buffalo did in 15/16 and it’s crushed that franchise ever since. Chicago did for Bedard. Rangers publicly acknowledged they were rebuilding, but that was relatively short lived. Did Detroit ever tank? LA? LA got multiple top 5 picks and they look to be headed on a downward trajectory again. They also held on to some vets during that process, again, depends what you consider ‘tanking’. The definition of tanking is pretty loose. If the Flames sell off Mantha, Kuzmenko, Vladar at the deadline, is that considered a 30% tank? If they trade Anderson too, 50%? Is it not considered a tank at all if they don’t get any lottery luck and end up picking 9OA?
Agreed that this is a decision/direction established by ownership, first and foremost, and then management. I doubt, very much, it will happen here. If the Flames do end up picking in the top 3 I bet it will be because A) they get lucky and win the lottery B) several key injuries derail a season.