The way I see it is once Sutter signed Kipper, Iggy, Regehr to those long term deals the thought from up top was they were going to continue to push to compete as until they final year of the deals (Kipper had the one year left but it was known that he was always planning to retire according to Keenan).
The Flames may have thought once or twice abou altering that plan but th team would go on a run that would keep them competitive and in the playoff hunt late into the season. Last year it was clear the time to start fresh was now as the 2 true cornerstones were moving on. Get something for Iggy, Kipper decided to finish playing out his career here and our top D was also moved. I think Feaster agreed to continue to try and win during his first 2 years here knowing if it didn't work he could start a rebuild. He kept his 1st round picks, brought in Wideman, Hudler, and Cammalleri and re-signed Tanguay, Glencross and took a couple of big (and luckily) unsuccessful swings at Brad Richards and Ryan O'Rielly.
Feaster moved the key assets, and currently the 2 top prospects the organization hopes are going to lead the team forward were drafted by him. Even a player he acquired is our biggest trade chip at the deadline.
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