Are the Flames re-building?

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by saillias

It's a bit more complicated a question than yes or no. While the answer is yes, what exactly does that entail? What is their timeline? Do they give it up if they have a underdog run to 8th or 9th place again? Does Cale Makar fall into their laps in UFA and they decide all done?

It’s not a complicated question, those are all just entirely different questions.

[InternationalVillager]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

So I believe you have some inside info here and have shared as much.

So is this based on the public message they send, or do you feel like this is the message behind the scenes too?

Because the message I've heard is that behind the scenes they don't want to tank, want to remain competitive, wanted to make the playoffs this year, but aren't doing anything that would potentially hurt them longer term and that building from the draft is the focus.

And wonder if that aligns to what you're hearing.

Correct.

I've never heard the Flames discuss a rebuild in the manner that you would think. I mean it might be all schematics but it's kinda frustrating.

How can we define it as a rebuild when the front office does not define their processes/actions as a rebuild?

[Vinny01]

The flames were in the market for age appropriate pieces last season/summer but either didn’t have or wouldn’t pay the assets required. They wanted Cozens and Byram out of Buffalo but wouldn’t part with the pieces for either. They were allegedly close on K’Andre Miller but the Canes put a 1st on the table and threatened an offer sheet. They were able to close the Flyers deal in season that has given them a couple of average vets.


I am happy Craig has avoided over spending to force bringing in that win now and in the future piece. I do think he is on the hunt for that type of player and will be more aggressive if not this summer than the summer before moving into the new rink.

[Inferno]

There's nothing wrong with wanting to be competitive in a rebuild even if deep down you know you might not be.

Like dino said, everyone goes into the season wanting to make the playoffs.

[Brad Marsh]

Originally Posted by dino7c

If the goal was to make the playoffs wouldnt they have added? Tons of picks and cap available. Heck Vancouver was trading picks for vets.

I agree. The unspent cap space is a huge consideration.

For me, while it's true they didn't add, it's also true didn't subtract, at a time when they could have/should have subtracted, especially if rebuilding was the ultimate "behind closed doors" priority vs an expectation that the team could/would take another step (a one-point step).

[dino7c]

They didn't add anything...like you will be hard pressed to find a team that added nothing last summer. They also had Ras traded by all accounts but he wouldn't sign with LA.

[Brad Marsh]

Originally Posted by Inferno

There's nothing wrong with wanting to be competitive in a rebuild even if deep down you know you might not be.

Like dino said, everyone goes into the season wanting to make the playoffs.

I think there are at least three things wrong with wanting to be competitive in a rebuild:
1. You're less likely to get top-of-draft talent, which is critical to championship aspirations
2. You're creating less opportunities for younger, developing players
3. You risk hanging onto veterans longer than you otherwise would if you were simply maximizing the asset

But I do think the Flames have adopted the approach you're advocating for.

[dino7c]

Its kinda funny without looking I guessed most of the names in the no camp...I also guessed the abstain

[Calgary4LIfe]

It is not only a rebuild, but a fairly deep one at that!

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

So I believe you have some inside info here and have shared as much.

So is this based on the public message they send, or do you feel like this is the message behind the scenes too?

Because the message I've heard is that behind the scenes they don't want to tank, want to remain competitive, wanted to make the playoffs this year, but aren't doing anything that would potentially hurt them longer term and that building from the draft is the focus.

And wonder if that aligns to what you're hearing.

The message I have heard behind the scenes is the exact opposite: rebuild. Of course.

[Inferno]

Originally Posted by Brad Marsh

I think there are at least three things wrong with wanting to be competitive in a rebuild:
1. You're less likely to get top-of-draft talent, which is critical to championship aspirations
2. You're creating less opportunities for younger, developing players
3. You risk hanging onto veterans longer than you otherwise would if you were simply maximizing the asset

But I do think the Flames have adopted the approach you're advocating for.

Competitive as in wanting the players to play for a playoff spot and not just play out the season.

Conroy didn't do anything this summer and left spots open for young players like Honzek who unfortunately got injured. He didn't do anything during the season to try and salvage it either.

It was also always likely that trades weren't to start happening until now unless they ran into a Hughes situation where the player wanted out and the room became toxic.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

They are rebuilding. The better question would be whether they're rebuilding by choice.

Why? Does any team ever rebuild by choice? You rebuild when the current plan is failing - that isn't a choice, it's an acceptance.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Why? Does any team ever rebuild by choice? You rebuild when the current plan is failing - that isn't a choice, it's an acceptance.

I have said it before but the Hawks leading scorers in the Bedard lottery win year were Kane and Domi. They also won games late to get out of the basement. They got lottery luck.

[1qqaaz]

Rebuilding, yes, tanking, no.

[FireGilbert]

I don't normally rate threads but if I did this one would barely get 2 stars.

The Flames have traded all meaningful UFAs, have 13 top three round picks in the next 3 years, and have over $20M in cap space. If that isn't rebuilding we need to change the definition of the word.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by FireGilbert

I don't normally rate threads but if I did this one would barely get 2 stars.

The Flames have traded all meaningful UFAs, have 13 top three round picks in the next 3 years, and have over $20M in cap space. If that isn't rebuilding we need to change the definition of the word.

The thread perfectly proved the intended point. 10/10

[Locke]

I dont know how people can think we're not rebuilding.

There are a limited number of statuses within Professional sport. Competing, Hoping and Rebuilding.

We're not competing. Hope is dead. We're selling off almost everyone over 25. Guess where that leaves us?

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

Nes

‘People ask me why I always say “yo”… When you don't know whether to say yes or no, you say “yo”… because “nes” would sound pretty freaking stupid.’
—Bowser & Blue, doing an impression of Sylvester Stallone

[Mr.Coffee]

Anyone else find it weird that you finish 3rd last, but then the lottery odds mean you have a 67% chance of picking 4th or worse?

Seems a bit unfair.

[Groot]

Originally Posted by Locke

I dont know how people can think we're not rebuilding.

There are a limited number of statuses within Professional sport. Competing, Hoping and Rebuilding.

We're not competing. Hope is dead. We're selling off almost everyone over 25. Guess where that leaves us?

Contending? Hooray!