Quote:
Originally Posted by ComixZone
Correct.
The anti-bottoming crowd rarely seems to pitch a path to success, but rather just poo poo the idea of bottoming out.
So, if the idea of bottoming out is a no-go, then what is the actual plan? How do the Flames gather enough assets to build themselves into a contending team?
|
Look at the scouting and drafting criteria and evaluate why players picked did not turn out and why players that the team passed on have worked out.
Change the scouting and drafting criteria to make sure that you are looking for and drafting high skill, high hockey IQ players, and high character players.
Every year the goal should be to add two more picks in the first three rounds. Add a second first round pick at least every three years.
Higher and retain the best and most scouts in the league. Be prepared to out pay, incentivize, and treat your scouts better than every other team out there.
Do not rush in prospects because the fanbase is yelling to have the new shiny toy make the team. Let players properly develop.
Have the best development coaching staff available. Make sure that you have experts coaching prospects at all levels about what they need to work on and how they need to get better.
Provide mental coaching where possible.
Invest in VR equipment and programing to provide opportunities for players to experience game reps without having to be in the games.
Create a high standard of excellence with zero excuses and 100% accountability at every level from the owners, through management and coaches, down to the players and prospects.
Do not have a contract on a player older than 32. Ideally when they are 30 you are trying to sell off your older players and replenishing your cupboard with picks and prospects.
Do not trade picks for playoff rental players. Do not trade picks in the first three rounds for players that are not top six on the team that you do not have control over.
Be bold when it comes to making moves. Take your chances when there are players like Eichel, Thornton, O'Reiley, Seguin, or Reinhart that come available. Look for opportunities to trade for players under 25 that will upgrade your top 10 players.
Pretty easy philosophy and strategy to follow. But there has to be complete buy in throughout the entire organization and a certain degree of deafness towards the fanbase.
Last is too embrace luck. Even the tear it to the ground and finish bottom five in the league for half a dozen years so that a decade later you might win the cup has to acknowledge that they need to have a great deal of luck working for them in their strategy as well.