I like Jay Feaster

[Poe969]

Originally Posted by dammage79

And the cycle continues!

unless they realize there is no chance this year and start making some trades and than draft a highly touted center with their first overall pick!

NOT WINNIN' FOR McKINNON!!!!

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by EddyBeers

IMHO this team will be a bottom of the west club anyway, regardless of who the GM is. I just wish they would embrace the idea for a couple years so that the Flames may possibly be good in 2017.

Could be done in half a year if they admit the fact this year, draft high this year, recoup assets for Iginla/Kiprusoff/Cammalleri/Glencross... and compete next year.

This roster just doesn't scream "Stanley Cup Contender" to me, it screams "God when is Kiprusoff gonna come back to bail us out and maybe give us a chance to win" ? Which intellectual honesty should mean "we aren't even close"

[EddyBeers]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

Could be done in half a year if they admit the fact this year, draft high this year, recoup assets for Iginla/Kiprusoff/Cammalleri/Glencross... and compete next year.

This roster just doesn't scream "Stanley Cup Contender" to me, it screams "God when is Kiprusoff gonna come back to bail us out and maybe give us a chance to win" ? Which intellectual honesty should mean "we aren't even close"

The problem is when you mix intellectual honesty with what I like to term "the Core Stockholm Syndrome" you get intellectually honestly confusing results.

I agree thought that the Flames are probably at the tail end of what could be termed the time period where they could accelerate the rebuild by trading off aging assets. Hopefully they do not completely miss the boat.

[Cowboy89]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

#1 centers under the age of 28 don't grow on trees. They'll need to draft one. In fact, outside of Baertschi, the Flames pretty much need to draft a new core. That's the reality ownership and management need to recognize. You can't build a winner through free agency.

Look at the Blues. They have a payroll $13 million lower than the Flames. Take Hudler, Wideman, Cervenka, Stajan out of the picture and replace them with entry-level contracts. That will give you an idea of the resources they have to work with. So what was their strategy under Davidson? Stockpile picks and prospects. Eschew free agents. Draft and develop their own core of young players. Forego the quick fix.

But that takes discipline and patience - two qualities Flames ownership and management have not demonstrated.

Can a team in a Canadian market actually have patience? Even in Winnipeg where they were simply happy to have a team the airwaves are full of angry fans calling in and complaining about how poorly their team is run in light of what looks like another sans playoff season.

The Maple Leafs cannot win until fans in that market chill out and give the team 5-7 years to properly rebuild. I would argue that Edmonton was the only market given a leash long enough by their fans to perform a proper rebuild. We'll see in due time if their management didn't screw it up.

As for Feaster, I'm actually pleased with the job he's done given the mandate from ownership. He's done a pretty good job of fullfilling the mandate of ownership. The coach he's hired has the team playing more entertaining hockey than the Brent Sutter era. In the draft itself the mandate has switched from the goal of drafting servicable NHLers, to drafting high ceiling players who might make a greater impact than a third liner or a 4-6 d-man. If he's given permission to start shopping vets and stock pile prospects and/or more draft picks I can only imagine that we'll have more to celebrate in a few years time.

[EddyBeers]

Originally Posted by Cowboy89

Can a team in a Canadian market actually have patience? Even in Winnipeg where they were simply happy to have a team the airwaves are full of angry fans calling in and complaining about how poorly their team is run in light of what looks like another sans playoff season.

The Maple Leafs cannot win until fans in that market chill out and give the team 5-7 years to properly rebuild. I would argue that Edmonton was the only market given a leash long enough by their fans to perform a proper rebuild. We'll see in due time if their management didn't screw it up.

As for Feaster, I'm actually pleased with the job he's done given the mandate from ownership. He's done a pretty good job of fullfilling the mandate of ownership. The coach he's hired has the team playing more entertaining hockey than the Brent Sutter era. In the draft itself the mandate has switched from the goal of drafting servicable NHLers, to drafting high ceiling players who might make a greater impact than a third liner or a 4-6 d-man. If he's given permission to start shopping vets and stock pile prospects and/or more draft picks I can only imagine that we'll have more to celebrate in a few years time.

The good news for Flames fans is that a rebuild is likely in any event, this team does not have the horses to win consistently and thankfully they have decided to play a style of hockey that is less likely to produce victories with an inferior lineup than a more "boring" style of hockey would. So they should be drafting higher regardless of what the GM does just based on those two factors.

[Circa89]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

#1 centers under the age of 28 don't grow on trees. They'll need to draft one. In fact, outside of Baertschi, the Flames pretty much need to draft a new core. That's the reality ownership and management need to recognize. You can't build a winner through free agency.

Look at the Blues. They have a payroll $13 million lower than the Flames. Take Hudler, Wideman, Cervenka, Stajan out of the picture and replace them with entry-level contracts. That will give you an idea of the resources they have to work with. So what was their strategy under Davidson? Stockpile picks and prospects. Eschew free agents. Draft and develop their own core of young players. Forego the quick fix.

But that takes discipline and patience - two qualities Flames ownership and management have not demonstrated.

Is it possible that the mandate of win now is in place because of Calgary's horrible drafting history? What use is it to stock pile picks if you use them on first round draft selections such as Chucko, Pelech, Nemiscz et al. I agree that the drafting record appears to have improved, but the operative word is "appears". Baertchi should be good, Backlund might break out and management has a 5 year leash on Jankowski's potential. I think until our draft picks actually start panning out as tangible quality players ownership has been releuctant to build through the draft.

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by Cowboy89

Can a team in a Canadian market actually have patience? Even in Winnipeg where they were simply happy to have a team the airwaves are full of angry fans calling in and complaining about how poorly their team is run in light of what looks like another sans playoff season.

The Maple Leafs cannot win until fans in that market chill out and give the team 5-7 years to properly rebuild. I would argue that Edmonton was the only market given a leash long enough by their fans to perform a proper rebuild. We'll see in due time if their management didn't screw it up.

As for Feaster, I'm actually pleased with the job he's done given the mandate from ownership. He's done a pretty good job of fullfilling the mandate of ownership. The coach he's hired has the team playing more entertaining hockey than the Brent Sutter era. In the draft itself the mandate has switched from the goal of drafting servicable NHLers, to drafting high ceiling players who might make a greater impact than a third liner or a 4-6 d-man. If he's given permission to start shopping vets and stock pile prospects and/or more draft picks I can only imagine that we'll have more to celebrate in a few years time.

The Flames have survived 7 consecutive years without playoffs, and now another 4 in a row, and the team is still here.

This notion that a canadian market won't stomach a rebuild is, in my very humble opinion, stupid.

Leaf fans are showing up and the team hasn't been competitive in 20 years and done anything in the playoffs for 40.

Edmonton fans are showing up in droves to watch a team that has finished dead last three years in a row and out of the playoffs for 7.

Time to put that malarky to bed, I think.

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by Cowboy89

Can a team in a Canadian market actually have patience? Even in Winnipeg where they were simply happy to have a team the airwaves are full of angry fans calling in and complaining about how poorly their team is run in light of what looks like another sans playoff season.

Actually, Canadian fans are far less fickle than their American counterparts. In the U.S., when the team isn't winning the fans stay away and the team plays to 12,000 people. In Canada these days, you can pretty much count on a sellout regardless.

As for what fans complain about in call-in shows, I would hope the owners and management have the discipline to disregard that stuff. Fans may not enjoy short-term sacrifices for long-term benefit, but that shouldn't stop owners and management from carrying out long-term strategies in the face of complaints. Tacking to the winds of the fanbase is a disastrous way to run a professional sports franchise.

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by Circa89

Is it possible that the mandate of win now is in place because of Calgary's horrible drafting history? What use is it to stock pile picks if you use them on first round draft selections such as Chucko, Pelech, Nemiscz et al. I agree that the drafting record appears to have improved, but the operative word is "appears". Baertchi should be good, Backlund might break out and management has a 5 year leash on Jankowski's potential. I think until our draft picks actually start panning out as tangible quality players ownership has been releuctant to build through the draft.

Drafting is essential to success now that the NHL is a capped league. A franchise that believes it can't draft well may as well fold.

[Henry Fool]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

Actually, Canadian fans are far less fickle than their American counterparts. In the U.S., when the team isn't winning the fans stay away and the team plays to 12,000 people. In Canada these days, you can pretty much count on a sellout regardless.

As for what fans complain about in call-in shows, I would hope the owners and management have the discipline to disregard that stuff. Fans may not enjoy short-term sacrifices for long-term benefit, but that shouldn't stop owners and management from carrying out long-term strategies in the face of complaints. Tacking to the winds of the fanbase is a disastrous way to run a professional sports franchise.

I don't think people who call in radio shows to rant represent the fan base in general.

[EddyBeers]

Originally Posted by Henry Fool

I don't think people who call in radio shows to rant represent the fan base in general.

I have yet to meet a STH who does not want a complete rebuild, and those are the only fans the owners should really worry about. Most STH are fairly intelligent about their particular team, most knew going into this season that this team did not have a hope in hell of making the playoffs and they would rather go into a season knowing that but knowing that they are watching young talent that might form the nucleus of a perennial playoff team in the future than hold of for nostalgia sake to an aging superstar.

[Phanuthier]

Would starting Comeau as 1st line C be considered losing on purpose?

[EddyBeers]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

Would starting Comeau as 1st line C be considered losing on purpose?

Sadly for this team that would be probably considered one of your better options, starting Sarich as a first line center would be losing on purpose.

[Circa89]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

Drafting is essential to success now that the NHL is a capped league. A franchise that believes it can't draft well may as well fold.

Fair enough, but facts are what they are and historically the Flames have a putrid draft record.
If you were giving orders, knowing the draft results in recent years, would you prefer your GM to sell every available asset for picks that would eventally develop into third line checking wingers and serviceable defenseman, or would ou prefer to keep the asssest and try to build around them with trades and free agency?

I would prefer a GM that can draft, hopefully AGM Wisebroad is the ticket.

[CaramonLS]

One thing that has kind of made me wonder: Why has Feaster decided to employ two coaches (Ward and Hartley) who have their teams play completely different styles of hockey?

If you want your kids in the minors to be ready for the NHL, you probably want a style at least similar to what you are playing in the NHL. As far as I can tell, they are polar opposites. I noticed Taylor for example on the 4th goal against PHX was rather stunned that the puck was actually shot in his direction (I do realize it was an awful goal to watch). But, I can't help but wonder if he was playing in Abbotsford, that the defender wouldn't have challenged the carrier harder, making it more difficult to get the puck away.

Now I am not sold on Ward as a development coach, but this just makes me question what direction management is trying to take with developing young players.

[FAN]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

Could be done in half a year if they admit the fact this year, draft high this year, recoup assets for Iginla/Kiprusoff/Cammalleri/Glencross... and compete next year.

This roster just doesn't scream "Stanley Cup Contender" to me, it screams "God when is Kiprusoff gonna come back to bail us out and maybe give us a chance to win" ? Which intellectual honesty should mean "we aren't even close"

The problem is that Feaster likely sees "compete next year" as having a healthy #1 goalie (Kipper), and keeping Iginla, Cammy, Glencross, because you can't replace them.

Intellectual honesty can mean a lot of things. It seems clear that intellectual honestly to Feaster means competing for the playoffs and not "Stanley Cup Contender" that or it's the "everything can happen once you get into the playoffs" mentality.

[Ark2]

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

Leaf fans are showing up and the team hasn't been competitive in 20 years and done anything in the playoffs for 40.

Making in to the Conference Finals 3 times in the last 20 years is doing nothing? Kind of scared to ask what you think about the Flames during that span. You do realize that the Leafs were actually a pretty good team during the Pat Quinn era, right?

[kyuss275]

Originally Posted by FAN

The problem is that Feaster likely sees "compete next year" as having a healthy #1 goalie (Kipper), and keeping Iginla, Cammy, Glencross, because you can't replace them.

Intellectual honesty can mean a lot of things. It seems clear that intellectual honestly to Feaster means competing for the playoffs and not "Stanley Cup Contender" that or it's the "everything can happen once you get into the playoffs" mentality.

Not much he can do if ownership mandate is to compete for playoff spot, year after year. If the mandate stays the same, and he is given clearance to trade some of those players you listed, it wouldn't be for picks or prospects that are years away from making the NHL. More than likely it would be for players that would hep the flames this year and next. Ownership has to change the mandate.

[indes]

I think Feaster has done a pretty good job so far with the "win now" mandate.

I loved the signings of Hudler and Wideman, do you guys think we've added enough talent to let go of Iggy and maybe some others?

I would trade Iginla, Cammy and Kipper at the deadline

We end up with:

CAPGEEK.COM USER GENERATED ROSTER
My Custom Lineup
FORWARDS
Jiri Hudler ($4.000m) / Alex Tanguay ($3.500m) / Roman Cervenka ($3.775m)
Lee Stempniak ($2.500m) / Matt Stajan ($3.500m) / Curtis Glencross ($2.550m)
Sven Baertschi ($1.425m) / Mikael Backlund ($0.761m) / Roman Horak ($0.800m)
Steve Begin ($0.525m) / Blair Jones ($0.650m) / Tim Jackman ($0.613m)
Blake Comeau ($1.250m) /
DEFENSEMEN
Jay Bouwmeester ($6.680m) / Mark Giordano ($4.020m)
Dennis Wideman ($5.250m) / T.J. Brodie ($0.578m)
Derek Smith ($0.775m) / Cory Sarich ($2.000m)
GOALTENDERS
Leland Irving ($0.722m)
Danny Taylor ($0.578m)

------
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(these totals are compiled with the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $64,300,000; CAP PAYROLL: $55,723,125; BONUSES: $711,250
CAP SPACE (21-man roster): $9,288,125

Which isn't great but I don't think its absolutely terrible either as we should end up picking 3 times in the first round and maybe once in the top 10.

I really think we can finally trade Iggy with the Czechs on the team now, while maybe not real 1st line talent its just time.

[Saqe]

Originally Posted by indes

I think Feaster has done a pretty good job so far with the "win now" mandate.

I loved the signings of Hudler and Wideman, do you guys think we've added enough talent to let go of Iggy and maybe some others?

I would trade Iginla, Cammy and Kipper at the deadline

We end up with:

CAPGEEK.COM USER GENERATED ROSTER
My Custom Lineup
FORWARDS
Jiri Hudler ($4.000m) / Alex Tanguay ($3.500m) / Roman Cervenka ($3.775m)
Lee Stempniak ($2.500m) / Matt Stajan ($3.500m) / Curtis Glencross ($2.550m)
Sven Baertschi ($1.425m) / Mikael Backlund ($0.761m) / Roman Horak ($0.800m)
Steve Begin ($0.525m) / Blair Jones ($0.650m) / Tim Jackman ($0.613m)
Blake Comeau ($1.250m) /
DEFENSEMEN
Jay Bouwmeester ($6.680m) / Mark Giordano ($4.020m)
Dennis Wideman ($5.250m) / T.J. Brodie ($0.578m)
Derek Smith ($0.775m) / Cory Sarich ($2.000m)
GOALTENDERS
Leland Irving ($0.722m)
Danny Taylor ($0.578m)

------
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(these totals are compiled with the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $64,300,000; CAP PAYROLL: $55,723,125; BONUSES: $711,250
CAP SPACE (21-man roster): $9,288,125

Which isn't great but I don't think its absolutely terrible either as we should end up picking 3 times in the first round and maybe once in the top 10.

I really think we can finally trade Iggy with the Czechs on the team now, while maybe not real 1st line talent its just time.

Then the czechs will be playing against other teams 1st lines. Although they´ve had some good games, Cervenka barely looks like a 2nd liner at the moment. There are no good options available though.