Making the playoffs, will it hurt in the long run

[thefoss1957]

I know that the 'Hawks got accused of "tanking" their way into Toews, Kane, et. al., but, IMO, the opposite was true. It seemed more of a misread of the post lock-out NHL, and inept management than a willful tank. The 'Hawks dropped cash on pre-lock-out "hot" commodities, like, Khabibulin, Cullimore, Aucoin, Huet, in an effort to "win now", but, all were disappointments in the post-lock-out NHL.

Going with youth, making the playoffs, and getting traction, especially, finally beating Detroit, got invaluable experience/confidence for the likes of Keith/Seabrook and the team.

[jlh2640]

Some said it 2 years ago, any playoffs is good but everyone should know by now we are not contenders yet

[Cactus Jack]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

Was the general thought really that making the playoffs was bad for the rebuild? I don't recall that being the conclusion around here at all. I don't think there were many of us that were shocked that the Flames followed up the year with a poor showing but that doesn't mean making the playoff in 2015 was a step back.

I think Treliving handled the 205 offseason to perfection. He went out and added a 22 year old top 4 D and a 27 year old top 6 winger. Both were great moves that are helping the team now and in the future.

The Flames have seemingly bounced back from last years poor outing and are deep in the mix for a playoff spot. Right where most people had them.

I agree with your whole point outside of the fact that the group thought was making the playoffs 2 years ago was a set back.

I certainly feel like that´s the sentiment around here, many people often say making the playoffs and beating Vancouver in 2015 setback the rebuild and was the worst thing that could have happened to our rebuild. I vehemently disagree with that.

[Erick Estrada]

If you have a roster like the Canucks you should be purposely tanking IMO as that team has no chance and is getting worse not better annually. The Flames are at a stage in their rebuild were year over year improvement should be expected and there's no such thing as harmful improvement including making the playoffs. Winning is the only thing that breads winning so there should never be a ceiling placed on ascending team. Also given the salary structure the owners are paying for a team that should be making the playoffs.

[Mister Yamoto]

I hope the Flames are buyers at the deadline even if they fall out of the race.

One of the best TDLs the Flames have ever had IMO was 03. They were completely out of it but acquired Ferrence, Donovan, McAmmond and Commodore for next to nothing. All four were key pieces the following season and beyond.

Stockpiling on draft picks that may or may not turn into anything in a few seasons is the last thing the Flames need at this stage. The current roster is full of holes and the time to start filling them is right now.