[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

I have lots of thoughts (uneducated ones mind you) on the on-going debate around "building through lottery balls" like Edmonton. Regardless of what those thoughts are, seeing some posts that amount to, "hopefully if Edmonton succeeds it will help Flames management see the light, and try to tank for top draft picks". My guess, is the success Edmonton is having now, which will be amplified if they win, would more likely fuel less desire for an extended rebuild than maybe even exists today.

Edmonton winning (just like it did in the 80s, and just like TBLs success recently has for Florida) will spark a keeping up with the Jones' mentality from the Flames (if it hasn't already). That usually doesn't manifest in people playing the "long game" in any aspect of life. Taking a quick look over recent Stanley Cup Champions over the past decade, it does seem there is a 10 years or more cycle from when they had their 1 or 2 picks in the top 5 (drafting key players) to when that results in a Stanley cup win. Point being, I hardly doubt Flames brasses reaction to a Cup win in Edmonton will be, "ok, let's get even with them, for us and for our fans..................in 10 to 15 years". If anything it's going to fuel the how do we fast track this thing reaction.

Oh, and one last thought..................not ok with Edmonton winning, that's not a thing.