Quote:
Originally Posted by Bingo
McGroarty from Winnipeg is a recent example.
If the Flames scouting staff valued him more than who they thought they would get with their second pick in the 2024 draft they'd do it.
They didn't and Gridin in the result.
But it's not about finding examples; I'm just saying you don't need a hard rule of rebuilding teams don't trade first round picks, as there are plenty of ways it would/could make sense.
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You shouldn't have a hard rule for anything and I really don't think people are advocating that.
But it is important to look at the Flames and what they need. Trading a first round for a prospect is a trade off. You are de-risking your pick, giving up upside for a player who is a bit more of a sure thing. That's a generalization but it's essentially true. And the Flames aren't in a situation to think that way IMO. They should be taking on risk in exchange for upside.
Now if you can find some team in a jam and they have an abundance of prospects at a particular position, or have cap issues or there is a player that wants out, sure you should explore it. The Hamilton trade is a good example, as he still had exceptionally high upside. But I wouldn't love this team giving up three draft picks.