Quote:
Originally Posted by Hackey
Well they suck at tanking if they're picking 16, 9, and 18. In reality they are picking there because they are scared to actually tear it down. Weegar is any easy trade, Andersson is an easy trade. Backlund and Coleman are tradable. Does Kadri really want to stay if those guys are gone? Have the Flames even asked Kadri if he's willing to go anywhere? The Flames will trade UFAs after they are forced to because that's easy but when it comes to making a minor tough decision they are scared. The Flames are never proactive and never bold.
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A rebuild isn't about tanking. Its prioritizing assets that help you in the future over those that help you now. Which often results in being less competitive now, which often translates to losses and higher picks.
Its splitting hairs perhaps. But the key point is the objective is to win in the future, not to lose now. And that high draft pick you get is only part of the solution.
The Flames weren't ready to rebuild. When Conroy took over he didn't have a very strong prospect pipeline and the players were mostly older veterans. If you hit delete on the veterans all at once your left with nothing. Which means you have a very prolonged rebuild ahead of you, and not much chance of being successful.
So he has been rebuilding slowly. Letting some young guys get experience, acquiring players in their mid 20s, and replenishing the prospect pool.
I am not a fan of the moves we heard be wanted to do. Extending veterans, acquiring big names, etc. But those moves didn't happen, at least not yet, so without more info there isnt much to judge. My biggest concern is last year's success results in a direction shift. But again, hasn't happened yet.
I expect this summer is about setting up contingencies if the Flames arent competitive this season. If they are out by the deadline I expect Conroy to be busy. If that happens we are probably in full rebuild next summer. I would prefer they were a bit more proactive this summer rather then taking a wait and see approach. But I understand that is a tough sell after almost getting in last season.