I don't know why we always talk about this given that are basically no examples of a team embracing a full multi-year tank and going on to actually win the cup. Of the last 10 winners, excepting St. Louis and Vegas as outliers, all acquired elite talent because of incompetence and luck. Chicago, Pittsburgh, Tampa, Colorado, Florida were all trying to win and be competitive during the years they drafted high. They just sucked at it. And won lotteries. It's really not that complicated. You need to get recognize when you are unlucky and try to maximize your chances at getting lucky.
The key is recognizing when it's not your year because of injuries or chemistry or whatever and letting the team drop in the standings. I agree that this is a mistake that Calgary has made several times. But each year you should be trying to ice a competitive team.
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