32 thoughts column
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article...their-future/?
1. One thing that makes me crazy is how organizations trip over themselves avoiding the word 'rebuild'. On some level, I get it because the word can be as radioactive as gold kryptonite to Superman. But you can walk yourself into trouble using a thesaurus, and my number one rule is, “Don’t pour gasoline on your own fire.” I’m still 1.5 credits shy of my English degree, but I’ve found a solution. Say either “we’re starting over,” or, “we’re making changes but we’re not tearing it all down.” Simple. For the rest of us, including myself, ignore the noise and watch what’s happening. If you really look at Calgary and Nashville, they have begun the process of change. The Flames are assembling a strong prospect group, and no matter what anyone says, won’t make short-term moves to save this season. If it’s a high pick, they will take it. They also believe that Dustin Wolf is too good to let them consistently hit rock bottom, and his start-of-season struggles were more of a blip than anything. (And shoutout to the NHL’s Friedrich Nietzsche, Devin Cooley, who almost lost his job but has played very well.
*Column came out before the extension was announced*
2. I’d be surprised if Calgary GM Craig Conroy, in the final year of his contract, is not re-signed. For one thing, I don’t believe head coach Ryan Huska is the only person in the organization to receive a recent extension, so the Flames are taking care of business. An executive from another team told me it’s not unheard of for conversations to slow down or halt when things are rough. Doesn’t mean it changes your long-term plans, but there is an allergy to reward when on-ice results go sideways. I don’t think Don Maloney should be fired for last week's comments. You just need to know the right time. A GM needs someone to manage up.