The team Treliving built

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by LiquidX

This is an interesting list/way to break down the team. I like it.

It really highlights how ineffective a GM Feaster really was in his time here - not that we don't already know this. But when the team still has more roster spots dedicated to Sutter drafted/signed players, it would seem to be a little damning. Granted, Feaster only enjoyed 3 years at the helm, compared to Sutter's 7 - and some of Feaster's picks are still working their way to the big club - This looks even worse when you consider Sutter's drafting record. But really, neither Sutter nor Feaster really built through the draft - which seems to be the opposite methodology of Treliving.

Treliving on the other hand has not wasted time in making this his team - and so far looks like he's on the right path to building competitive club in his 2 years here so far.

Different situations though. Sutter took over as GM and the next season the team reaches game 7 of the finals with core players in their mid 20's so a team that looked destined to "go for it" for the next few years. Feaster took over the team with the mandate to try and win now but be mindful of the future. Feaster had a pretty bad cap situation when he began his job and had minimal assets to improve the team.

Treliving took over a team that was firmly in a rebuild. He had Monahan on the roster already and Gaudreau was a top prospect. He also had the 4th overall pick at his disposal where he got Bennett. It is easier to build through the draft when some young pieces are in place, flush with cap space, and a high pick at his disposal. One thing I really give Treliving credit for that Feaster would never dare to do (only threaten) was his moves at the deadline. I feel Treliving got more for Russell than Feaster dos for Bouwmeester. What he got for Glencross was impressive and the fact the team was in a playoff race made that a ballsy move. The Hudler return was also very adequate. I also was highly impressed with the Hamilton trade which is a deal I could never see Feaster pulling off

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

The Brodie contract is great, no doubt. The Backlund one is fine, but not incredible.

It's a results oriented business (just ask Bob Hartley). Being good on paper is meaningless until we see the results, which so far have been mixed.

If goaltending is only average this year, I personally doubt we have the forward group to make the playoffs. Given that this can still be a rebuilding year, I am fine with that actually, as long as we see an upward trajectory at least.

These are fair points. Treliving making the coaching change and completely turning over the goaltending are big moves that further place his stamp on the team. Which furthers my point that this is his team and he deserves the bulk of the credit for their successes and failures. He inherited a group with some talented young stars and he has added to that group and found a way to keep the players he wanted and let several go at the same time.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

For three of the last four seasons the Flames have been top half in goals. While Elliott/Johnson should improve our GA, if we are bottom half offensively I think that will speak to some extent that Treliving made some weak gambles against skilled top line veteran players like Cammalleri/Hudler in favour of 3rd liners like Raymond and Brouwer.

Brouwer is not a 3rd liner. Frolik isn't either.

He let go small/weak/skilled/one-way forwards (Cammalleri/Hudler) for a complimentary top two line power forward (Brouwer) and a complimentary two-way forward (Frolik).

I think our forward group is a lot more well rounded now. We have pure offensive talent with Gaudreau, Monahan, Bennett and Tkachuk. A good team surrounds offensive talent like that with powerforwards and two-way forwards IMO.