Make the Playoffs Mandate for Next Year

[RM14]

Originally Posted by Reaper

No, concerning Martin St. Louis the mistake was giving him money to go away.

Then the little bugger pots one us in 2004 SCF game 6 OT

[gargamel]

This goal to make the playoffs reminds me of an old interview with a baseball player that I heard about years ago. I may be a little off on the details, but basically, the reporter asked him if his goal was to hit .350 for the season. The player responded, "No, my goal is to hit 1.000. I don't go up to the plate hoping to get a hit a third of the time; I go up to the plate hoping to get a hit every time." It's a good thing this board wasn't around then or everyone would have ripped him for being unrealistic. "What a joke. You're not going to hit 1.000." Of course not, but success is the goal.

I'd hate to be a fan of a team where it wasn't.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by gargamel

This goal to make the playoffs reminds me of an old interview with a baseball player that I heard about years ago. I may be a little off on the details, but basically, the reporter asked him if his goal was to hit .350 for the season. The player responded, "No, my goal is to hit 1.000. I don't go up to the plate hoping to get a hit a third of the time; I go up to the plate hoping to get a hit every time." It's a good thing this board wasn't around then or everyone would have ripped him for being unrealistic. "What a joke. You're not going to hit 1.000." Of course not, but success is the goal.

I'd hate to be a fan of a team where it wasn't.

There's a difference between our goal is the make the playoffs and our mandate from ownership is make the playoffs. Poor language was chosen, and as a result of myopic decisions in the past, it makes people nervous.

[Ark2]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

I don't see why thinking playoffs is a bad idea.

For one: Losing mentality. Can't have guys like MacKinnon stepping in next year to a team that's aiming at a second lottery pick, and getting used to that 'minset' right off the bat. Very bad effect on young players.

Absolute nonsense. The Oilers were one of the worst teams in league history over the past 3 years, yet Hall seems to have survived 2 of those years and is now tearing the league apart when it matters most. Top prospects are born winners that can survive a couple of lean years.

[Ezio]

Edmonton's Team 1260 Dustin Nielson had a field day with this one.

In all honesty, I wonder what the Flames approach is during FA. Don't they need to add to the cap to reach the floor with Bouw, Iginla and Kipper retiring?

Some targets for next season are Streit, Clowe and Morrow.

[Ashasx]

TSN mocking this quote again on That's Hockey.

They are ignoring what he said during the intermission last game.

I have no problem with them disagree with the statement, but nothing new was said. It's the same rehashed argument ignoring other things that were said.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Crosby changed the fortunes of Pittsburgh for many many years.

It's funny cause you wonder where the Flames would've picked in '05 if it weren't for Darryl's moves in 03/04, specifically the acquisition of Kiprusoff. It would've likely been in lottery territory.

'04 was truly amazing and in a way changed the fortunes of this team by rejuvinating the fanbase. But there's a chance it actually could've also prevented much greater, franchise altering acquisition/s.

Just a funny little thought. Which i'm sure has been passed around here already before.

The Flames were in lottery territory in the Crosby draft, the whole league was...Calgary actually had a better shot than most teams do some research. They had 2 of a possible 3 balls in the Crosby lottery.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_NHL_Entry_Draft

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

TSN mocking this quote again on That's Hockey.

They are ignoring what he said during the intermission last game.

I have no problem with them disagree with the statement, but nothing new was said. It's the same rehashed argument ignoring other things that were said.

Would you expect the media to lay off a stupid comment made by a politician just because he clarifies his comments afterwards? I didn't think so. Here's the deal with stupid comments: if you don't want people mocking you, don't say them in the first place.

[Redmonster]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

Would you expect the media to lay off a stupid comment made by a politician just because he clarifies his comments afterwards? I didn't think so. Here's the deal with stupid comments: if you don't want people mocking you, don't say them in the first place.

It wasn't a stupid comment in the first place. He is just saying what any other GM would have said, its not okay to lose. I didn't see the problem then, and I still don't now. Can you name me any other manager in pro sports who has gone on record saying it was acceptable for their team to tank?

Media from around the country have been nothing but completely biased against the Flames for years now. No matter what Feaster says they will assuredly have a problem with it. If they get Feaster fired, then it'll just be the next poor schmuck getting his throat stepped on whenever they(media) see an opening. Its not exclusive to this regime.

[Oling_Roachinen]

Originally Posted by Ezio

In all honesty, I wonder what the Flames approach is during FA. Don't they need to add to the cap to reach the floor with Bouw, Iginla and Kipper retiring?

Some targets for next season are Streit, Clowe and Morrow.

Not really, if Kiprusoff does retire (which I'm not sure is certain) then they got about 10M to spend on 11 players to reach the floor. Brodie, Backlund and likely whoever they pick up with their first pick will all need contracts and could take up a big chunk of that 10M. Even if they bring up Baertschi, sign Ramo or Berra cheaply and fill the rest of the roster with league minimum players, they'll pass the floor with ease.

However, doing that wont allow them to move Cammalleri right away without taking back some salary, if they decide to go that route.

But yeah, certainly doesn't hurt to grab some FA's. I could see, depending on what happens in New York, Clowe signing a 1 year deal with a team like the Flames. He probably wanted that last long term contract as he's about to turn 31. But with the cap going down can teams really afford to give him 20 goal scorer money and term if he's coming off a 2 goal season? Might be best to take the highest 1 year contract he can get and prove his worth.

I also wouldn't mind them targeting Connolly. He's not worth what he's getting paid this year, or anywhere close to it. But he's only two years removed form his 65 point in 73 game season. A cheap, 1 year contract isn't going to hurt the Flames. Worst case is he ends up back in the AHL. For him, if he wants to get his career back on track there's not many teams that could give him the chance to fight with a rookie (assuming the Flames even get a rookie center) and Stajan for ice-time in the top 9. If he works out at all, another tradechip on deadline that any team can fit under their cap.

Other than 1 year contracts with any one really, I wouldn't be too opposed to the Flames throwing money and term at Clarkson. He's not a skilled guy, wont be the answer for the Flames to turn into a contender and he's likely worth less than what he's going to get on the openmarket (if he reaches it this year). But with the Flames rebuilding, they could use another player who gives it his all every shift, let that attitude rub off on the youngins. He's also not going to let his linemates get pushed around, put him opposite of Baertschi and he'll give him the room to develop. The exact type of player Feaster needs to be looking at this off-season, unfortunately I doubt he makes it to the UFA period.

Filppula for the Hudler connection, and Bozak and Roy for being young enough to be transition players during the rebuild are also not terrible candidates.

[Dienasty]

This offseason I don't want to see the flames sign anyone over 30, or undersized. The two big targets that I think the flames should focus on are:
Bozak- a center with some size, solid 2 way game, 27 years old. I would have him on a line with glencross and cammalerri, basically the first line. And when the rebuild is transitioning to a playoff run, he will only be 30-31 and still effective. He could anchor the third line in a shut down role (like Stajan only can stand on his feet, and won't get pushed around by big center men) I think a 5 year 15m would do the trick.
Horton- again 27years old, on pace for another 30ish goal scorer, with injury concerns, however he is big I believe in the 6-2 range and well over 200lbs. He would be a perfect trigger man with size, on a line with backlund, and hudler/baertschi. I think he could age well due to him being able to score dirty goals in front of the net, and he has a pretty good shot. As he is entering his prime there is also a little upside for a 70-80 point campaign if everything goes well. I would sign Horton to a 5 year 22.5m salary.

The third complimentary target I would also look at is:
Nystrom- he would also be nice to add to that third line, as a tough guy who can skate, and has decent speed he may be good enough to play with the kids, but also big enough to give them some protection if teams are taking liberties at them. I would sign him to a three year 6m deal.

It would be cool if the flames did something like Montreal galagher/galchenyuk/prust. But with baertschi/mackinnon/nystrom. I would love to see the flames actively try and move Stajan and stempniak out for a package of 2nd and 3rd round picks.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by Ark2

Absolute nonsense. The Oilers were one of the worst teams in league history over the past 3 years, yet Hall seems to have survived 2 of those years and is now tearing the league apart when it matters most. Top prospects are born winners that can survive a couple of lean years.

Jay Bouwmeester, top prospect, born winner?

[Ark2]

Originally Posted by Redmonster

It wasn't a stupid comment in the first place. He is just saying what any other GM would have said, its not okay to lose. I didn't see the problem then, and I still don't now. Can you name me any other manager in pro sports who has gone on record saying it was acceptable for their team to tank?

Media from around the country have been nothing but completely biased against the Flames for years now. No matter what Feaster says they will assuredly have a problem with it. If they get Feaster fired, then it'll just be the next poor schmuck getting his throat stepped on whenever they(media) see an opening. Its not exclusive to this regime.

It was an incredibly stupid comment. The franchise is in the state that it is now because the powers that be refused to accept that the team needed to be rebuilt and kept making moves for the playoffs. Saying anything remotely resembling that the mandate is still to make the playoffs is terrifying. If his point was that he still wants his players to work hard and try to win every game, then he should have just said that and left it there. Unfortunately, he has a big mouth and doesn't know when to keep it shut. Personally, I hope that the media trashes him for making this statement every opportunity they get because maybe it will keep him from doing something stupid this off-season.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by Ark2

It was an incredibly stupid comment. The franchise is in the state that it is now because the powers that be refused to accept that the team needed to be rebuilt and kept making moves for the playoffs. Saying anything remotely resembling that the mandate is still to make the playoffs is terrifying. If his point was that he still wants his players to work hard and try to win every game, then he should have just said that and left it there. Unfortunately, he has a big mouth and doesn't know when to keep it shut. Personally, I hope that the media trashes him for making this statement every opportunity they get because maybe it will keep him from doing something stupid this off-season.

It's only terrifying if you don't realize that it was said as a public statement, and was not picked up by some undercover reporter who bugged a meeting of the management team and owners.

But if you do realize it was a public statement, you then realize that GMs say the politically correct things and then you try to read between the lines and piece things together based on how things get said and what actions get taken. The over rotation on this one comment and the panic it has created among some is unbelievable. If Feaster came out and said we were taking next year, the same people complaining about the playoff mandate would be in here talking about how Feaster is all talk and no action and wouldn't believe him. So why they put stock into this comment is beyond me.

[Loyal and True]

Now that Iginla and Kipper are likely out of the equation for next year, I think ownership should turn the page on that era and look to begin a new one.

2013-14, I prefer to avoid any additional veteran contracts, and allow young players and prospects to win/lose on this team... for one year. Allow a few more veteran contracts to expire and possibly trade them for a draft pick down the line. You should not make the playoffs that year. Make sure there is lots of cap space for 2014-15.

After 2013-14, we should have another 1st round pick to compliment our 3 1st rounders from 2013 plus Baertschi, Brodie, Backlund, Giordano, Glencross. I also expect a percentage of our other prospects and picks will prove to be NHL calibre as well.

2014-15, it is time to spend money and add valuable pieces in signings and trades. You should make the playoffs this year, with a team on the rise.

2015-16, depending on how our prospects/picks are developing, you can even trade a draft pick and/or young prospect if it will get you an important piece that you are missing, like a 26 year-old centre similar to Mike Richards circa 2011. You are now a contender for 4 or 5 years.

[edslunch]

Let's judge him by his actions, not his words. The Iginla and Bouwmeester trades were not "the mandate is to win next year" trades.

[renny]

Originally Posted by Ark2

It was an incredibly stupid comment. The franchise is in the state that it is now because the powers that be refused to accept that the team needed to be rebuilt and kept making moves for the playoffs. Saying anything remotely resembling that the mandate is still to make the playoffs is terrifying. If his point was that he still wants his players to work hard and try to win every game, then he should have just said that and left it there. Unfortunately, he has a big mouth and doesn't know when to keep it shut. Personally, I hope that the media trashes him for making this statement every opportunity they get because maybe it will keep him from doing something stupid this off-season.

It's not though, he's the GM of a team, what GM in their right mind would say, "Our goal is to tank again to get more first round picks," In addition to this Jay came out and qualified his statement by saying that what the organization means is nobody gets a free pass, everybody needs to work hard and the Flames aren't going to accept just losing.

Isn't that what EVERYBODY on the forums have been saying? We don't care if they lose as long as they work hard? The reactions in here and by some in the media (Eric Francis) are just ridiculous. Sniping certain comments while ignoring the rest.

[Iggy Snipe]

Originally Posted by GGG

In the intermission Feaster stated the mandate is still to make the playoffs next year. I do not believe that this is a good idea and I think it shows the ownership are not taking the longer term view and still looking at short term success.

The difference to me between make the playoffs and make the playoffs 2 or 3 years from now will be free agency. Focusing on now will mean we sign longer term free agent deals on young free agents which means using up our cap space quickly.

A longer term approach would be to use thus years unique situation with buyouts and the cap coming down to sign ufas to 1 year deals who want to prove themselves. Then move them at the deadline for more assets. The shortsited approach is also shown in the jbo trade where we didn't keep salary to increase the return.

Moving Iggy and jbo made me believe that our ownership had turned the corner on the win now mind set. Now with Feasters comments I am concerned again. I think a much better goal would be playoofs 2 or 3 years from now. I am not trying to bash feaster as I am generally satisfied with the return at the deadline but ownerships insistance on playoffs rather than championships concerns me.

I know where your coming from and what your thinking. I get it. I just don't think Calgary will make the playoffs next season no matter what. We are going to be bad for a few years. We probably won't even have a goalie next season.

[Ark2]

Originally Posted by renny

It's not though, he's the GM of a team, what GM in their right mind would say, "Our goal is to tank again to get more first round picks," In addition to this Jay came out and qualified his statement by saying that what the organization means is nobody gets a free pass, everybody needs to work hard and the Flames aren't going to accept just losing.

Isn't that what EVERYBODY on the forums have been saying? We don't care if they lose as long as they work hard? The reactions in here and by some in the media (Eric Francis) are just ridiculous. Sniping certain comments while ignoring the rest.

Why does he have to say anything? Why can't he just be quiet and focus on rebuilding the team? Saying the mandate is to make the playoffs next year when we are currently at the bottom of the league is just stupid. Anyway, we are just going in circles. If you like what this man has done for this team, then there simply isn't much for you and I to agree on.

[Sakari]

The goal is to win the Stanley cup. Making the playoffs means absolutely nothing unless you win the cup. This team is not a Cup contender. Until then, the goal should be to be a cup contender. Not a playoff contender.