I would argue that with the new building and the whole "get some excitement going for it", it is easier to sell hope in drafting McKenna over Verhoeff. Flames have had plenty of top-end defencemen over the years, but they have rarely had that franchise game-breaking forward.
Regardless, it has to come down to BPA, period. I trust the Flames to figure out who that may be, but it is an interesting conversation.
Part of me also feels this way - What is sports, really? Everyone in the NHL will always say: "We are in the business of winning games." Maybe.. or maybe a better definition should be: "We are in the entertainment business." I can take a losing season when it is a fun to watch season . 2013-14 was a fun season, for those that can remember. Sucked losing, believe me, but give me that season over the last 3 or 4. I still remember the standing ovations after LOSSES that season. Hard-working team that was FUN to watch.
I am excited for this rebuild since this team will once again be fun to watch. If they go into that new building selling hope and being fun to watch, who won't be happy? Then you build on it, and make the playoffs for the first time in that new building, and hopefully there will be some good long runs in that core, and maybe a final. That's success. However, I argue you don't need success right way - you need to sell hope and be entertaining. That's the business that the Flames have to be in right now.
I mean, past this season - I can watch the games and enjoy pieces or moments in a game, while hating everything else, and simply just focus on those good moments, but even I am having trouble in some games - this is a write-off. However, words of wisdom: "How can we enjoy the sweetness of life, if we never taste bitterness?" Bitter season - bitter few seasons, actually. Sweetness is around the corner.
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