You realize that fans dont control Feaster....right?

Feaster has stated, hes not going to blow things up or lose. He wants to remain competitive while strengthening the roster. Its going to take time.

Fans arent in denial. They dont want to watch their team become bottom feeders for several years.

We are a small percentage of NHL fans who over analyze or debate such topics...the rest just want their team to be competitive and drink beer while doing so.

What fans think their GM should do, unfortunately, doesnt influence any decisions made.
- Colin Dambrauskas

How old are you?

I'm guessing the 22 to 25 range?

its certainly a tough place to be in, especially when half the fanbase wants a full rebuild, and the other half wants to stay competitive.

I try not to write with any sort of indication of what I feel the team should do, as I feel that is up to each fan individually and shouldnt necessarily be swayed by my opinions, rather take the information provided and decide on their own.

I like to try and write objectively about certain things which may elicit debate, but its certainly getting hard to write about topics that dont bring about fans who feel the team should just "tank".

Its that time of the year, I guess. Did you guys get the point I was making with the blog? That even if Feaster remains competitive, many of the contracts will begin to expire on their own therefore allowing or even forcing him to improve or change the roster....whether that means via trade, resigning players to cap friendly contracts, or letting players walk.

Two years is plently of time to make changes within a roster, and isnt a long time to ask fans to remain patient while a new GM and coach begin to construct their own team.
- Colin Dambrauskas

Yes it was clear and I agree.

A blow up isn't really needed the way the contracts are set up, because the way they are expiring. A strong 2013 draft pool, and a strong 2013 UFA market. Moves can be made.

It seems to really come down to if Iggy wants to be involved in it or not.

I do think Kipper will be moved, or stick around for only one more year. And I think one of tanguay and Cammy are more expendable then Iggy since we have GlenX and Baert as capable LW.

Taking the two years to make those changes is a very reasonable change. And with all the reasons you mentioned above I think thats why a few gambles that were made this year (cervenka, jankowski) were well timed since the risk reward can potentially really help out the team.

For me, its twofold.

CBA discussions, and where the team may sit come deadline.

Feaster and Iginla will want to wait out the CBA and inf out whats going on, as many others will. Further, I get the feeling that both of them will want to wait and see how the team fairs in a couple of months of hockey to make a decision. Iginla wants the cup but also loves the organization.

If the teams shows potential to fight in the playoffs, he'll stay...if they prove inconsistent or questionable, he may decide to accept a trade to better the teams future.

Thats how I feel.
- Colin Dambrauskas

Iginla is a classy guy and has been loyal. Looking at the kind of money people are throwing at Doan has got to at least get his agent excited. He may sign for $6m to stay a Flame, but his market value is much higher at this point.

As for Cammalleri, that guy seems pretty intent on getting paid, team and career benefits be damned. With his numbers (and ego), I'm highly doubtful he'll take $4m. Though, that said, a lot can happen in 2 years.

they didnt have to blow things up because they had good pieces they could move for other younger pieces that will grow into solid NHL players.

you guys have kipper and iggy who would be worth a decent amount if moved...of course...if they are moved before they are worth vastly less.

that being said, if the flames dont look good at deadline i think its in their best bet to move a few key players and restock the cupboards, its not essentially a full rebuild..but its possibly going to result with the best outcome.
- big_dion

they actually did a great job restocking the cupboards lately. That point and the one about them not having any prospects is getting out of date now.

Its more of a case of the need for a play now center. Even if they were to move the youth up, they are still lacking that position.

Iginla is a classy guy and has been loyal. Looking at the kind of money people are throwing at Doan has got to at least get his agent excited. He may sign for $6m to stay a Flame, but his market value is much higher at this point.

As for Cammalleri, that guy seems pretty intent on getting paid, team and career benefits be damned. With his numbers (and ego), I'm highly doubtful he'll take $4m. Though, that said, a lot can happen in 2 years.
- micah555

I do think cammy would move before iginla like you mentioned. And it would hurt the team less on the LW.

$5mil is reasonable for him, 6 is too much.

Iggy I could see getting for a 7/6/5/5/ deal and then he can finish off like selanne. in 2 yrs Iginla would be 2nd line

How old are you?

I'm guessing the 22 to 25 range?
- jimmc7722

Not sure what my age has to do with any of the discussions we've had?....The continuous notion that other fans need to tell Flames fans they should wake up and smell the coffee is getting tiresome to have to read about everyday.

I anticipate the Flames blogs will have a dedicated Flames ref soon, hoping it allows for better debates that arent focused on "Flames suck, rebuild now..."

Not sure what my age has to do with any of the discussions we've had?....The continuous notion that other fans need to tell Flames fans they should wake up and smell the coffee is getting tiresome to have to read about everyday.

I anticipate the Flames blogs will have a dedicated Flames ref soon, hoping it allows for better debates that arent focused on "Flames suck, rebuild now..."
- Colin Dambrauskas

- billyberg10

Either you have a question, or you are volunteering for a ref position!?

The Islanders are a perfect example of why the Flames should NOT blow things up. The Isles have been blowing things up for the last 10 years, as well as Atlanta/Winnipeg, Columbus, Florida, Edmonton and Toronto. And what success have they had? Sure, its worked for Pittsburgh and Chicago but I really don't want to suffer for at least 4 years just for the possibility of putting together a winning team. LA, Boston, Vancouver, Philadelphia, etc etc didn't blow things up, they rebuilt while remaining competitive. I believe the Flames should do the same.
- Kzak99

You're kidding right???

LA, Van, Boston, Philly all had their years of suckage as well. They didn't get 3 first in a row or 4 top 2's like Pitt, but they all had bad years where they had multiple high draft picks. Then filled in with other players when in contention.

I do think cammy would move before iginla like you mentioned. And it would hurt the team less on the LW.

$5mil is reasonable for him, 6 is too much.

Iggy I could see getting for a 7/6/5/5/ deal and then he can finish off like selanne. in 2 yrs Iginla would be 2nd line
- numbear

'What he's worth' and 'reasonable' are not concepts that work when looking at UFA signings. They (especially types like Camellari) take the big money. If he can get back to the 80 points, he'll be searching for big bucks. If he keeps putting up around 50 points, you're probably right.

I do think cammy would move before iginla like you mentioned. And it would hurt the team less on the LW.

$5mil is reasonable for him, 6 is too much.

Iggy I could see getting for a 7/6/5/5/ deal and then he can finish off like selanne. in 2 yrs Iginla would be 2nd line
- numbear

I dont know if I agree, I think Iggy should be 2nd line today. Depending on the coach, if you are going PVP Iggy has been getting clobbered in those scenarios. Last year he floated at centre while the top lines were in possession & creating scoring opportunities. I know I am coming across a little harsh but, if Iggy wants his 7.0 mill for 4 years like Doan, you may be further ahead to let him walk. Thats why you need to know if an extension is cap friendly or whether it will be an anchor as we try to keep our young & up & coming superstars. Sometimes you have to get past thinking with your heart, Calgary has been very good to Iggy & his family are set for life. There is a fine line here between loyalty & not doing what is in the best interest of the Franchise. Hey, I loved Nieuy & Chopper & Mikey Vernon when they played for other teams & they are & will always be some of my favorite Flames players ever. I was happy for them when they won Cups with other teams, especially when we werent the team they beat out to win the Cup.

You're kidding right???

LA, Van, Boston, Philly all had their years of suckage as well. They didn't get 3 first in a row or 4 top 2's like Pitt, but they all had bad years where they had multiple high draft picks. Then filled in with other players when in contention.
- Iggysbff

I think the sentiment was that blowing it up doesn't necessarily equal success.

As for how those teams mentioned built, they had differing degrees of being bad. All teams will end up bad at some point (injuries, under performance, aging core, whatever). But getting back to winning and competing right away was a priority for those teams. They didn't wallow in it and they certainly didn't prepare year in year out to miss the playoffs.

EDIT: And they didn't necessarily sell off all their good players to rebuild from scratch. I think that is the point, but maybe I'm wrong.

I dont know if I agree, I think Iggy should be 2nd line today. Depending on the coach, if you are going PVP Iggy has been getting clobbered in those scenarios. Last year he floated at centre while the top lines were in possession & creating scoring opportunities. I know I am coming across a little harsh but, if Iggy wants his 7.0 mill for 4 years like Doan, you may be further ahead to let him walk. Thats why you need to know if an extension is cap friendly or whether it will be an anchor as we try to keep our young & up & coming superstars. Sometimes you have to get past thinking with your heart, Calgary has been very good to Iggy & his family are set for life. There is a fine line here between loyalty & not doing what is in the best interest of the Franchise. Hey, I loved Nieuy & Chopper & Mikey Vernon when they played for other teams & they are & will always be some of my favorite Flames players ever. I was happy for them when they won Cups with other teams, especially when we werent the team they beat out to win the Cup.
- Kevin R

Who's better suited for the top line on your team than Iginla? Or are you using it as an abstract? Because he finished tied for 26th in league scoring, so he's still definitely a top line player.

A blog on the future of the Flames and no mention of Michael Ferland? What are your views on him? I'm guessing 18 months jail time and a $5,000 fine.

A blog on the future of the Flames and no mention of Michael Ferland? What are your views on him? I'm guessing 18 months jail time and a $5,000 fine.
- B_def

Do you know something extra about it? All I've heard is from TSN:

"While embarrassed, Michael maintains he is innocent with respect to the charges," the Flames' statement said. "The organization will support Michael as he moves through the legal process."

Seems a little early to start speculating on his sentencing.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=402588

You're kidding right???

LA, Van, Boston, Philly all had their years of suckage as well. They didn't get 3 first in a row or 4 top 2's like Pitt, but they all had bad years where they had multiple high draft picks. Then filled in with other players when in contention.
- Iggysbff

To get 3 1st's in a row is so unusual & it shows how poorly a team is to accomplish that. Keep in mind, most will use wins/losses & total points at the end of the year. Now if I remember, that run almost cost the city of Pittsburgh their hockey team. Oilers are fortunate enough to be in a rabid Canadian Hockey market with a team that has some Stanley Cup tradition. I realize that once you get that prostate checked you can lean back & say it wasnt that bad, but the week before the appointment Now that the Oilers have their 3 first overalls, it aint that bad but how soon would you say that you want to go through that again because in 10 years most your #1's are in their 30's & you'll have people beaking off that you need to blow it up & start over again.

A blog on the future of the Flames and no mention of Michael Ferland? What are your views on him? I'm guessing 18 months jail time and a $5,000 fine.
- B_def

For punching some schmuck out at the bar? Are you crazy? I'd be in jail for the rest of my life.

For punching some schmuck out at the bar? Are you crazy? I'd be in jail for the rest of my life.
- canadianpenfan

Well regular assault (punching schmucks at the bar) is nothing, but he got charged with aggravated assault which has a pretty hefty penalty.

Well regular assault (punching schmucks at the bar) is nothing, but he got charged with aggravated assault which has a pretty hefty penalty.
- B_def

If he went home, got his car, came back and ran the guy over he probably wouldn't get 18 months knowing our judicial system.

Who's better suited for the top line on your team than Iginla? Or are you using it as an abstract? Because he finished tied for 26th in league scoring, so he's still definitely a top line player.
- micah555

I think it would be more abstract in that he is an offensive goal scorer, much like Selanne. Selanne plays 2nd line & wins those matchups quite often & he also gets first line PP. That is what I am saying about Iggy. If he was on a team that had a Getzlaff/Perry/Ryan carrying the heavy weight, he would flourish & be a top 25 scorer until at least he was 39-40. He would be a huge piece for a contender like Vanc. or Chicago who have the players that can do the heavy minutes PVP. In Calgary, my only hope is that Cerevenka is unbelievable & he meshes with Hudler in some supernatural way & it all started when Baerschte was thrown on that line & they became the #1 line on the team. Suddenly the 2nd line of Iggy/Tanguay & Cammi(or Backlund??Maybe?Whynot?) start tearing up their head on competition & Calgary threatens to be a decent playoff team again. In this scenario, we need the cap space to be able to pay Cerevenka & Baerschte & potentially Backlund. Would Iggy sign for 5.0 mill per to be part of this & a reduced role?? To me this is the reality of where this team is & yes the above scenario is one hell of a pipe dream, just saying what if.

Well regular assault (punching schmucks at the bar) is nothing, but he got charged with aggravated assault which has a pretty hefty penalty.
- B_def

They usually do the extra charges so it gives the crown leverage to plea bargain to a lower assault misdemeanor & get a fine & some community work. 1st offender, has a public image, this thing wont even get to trial.

To get 3 1st's in a row is so unusual & it shows how poorly a team is to accomplish that. Keep in mind, most will use wins/losses & total points at the end of the year. Now if I remember, that run almost cost the city of Pittsburgh their hockey team. Oilers are fortunate enough to be in a rabid Canadian Hockey market with a team that has some Stanley Cup tradition. I realize that once you get that prostate checked you can lean back & say it wasnt that bad, but the week before the appointment Now that the Oilers have their 3 first overalls, it aint that bad but how soon would you say that you want to go through that again because in 10 years most your #1's are in their 30's & you'll have people beaking off that you need to blow it up & start over again.
- Kevin R

That may very well happen, but with good management it should be easier because there are assets that are worth something. I always said that the 2004 cup run really hurt the Flames in the long run, because it made people think they could twea their line up and they had the peices necesary. I also said the same of the Oilers cup run in 06. They gave out some really dumb contracts after that run thinking these guys could maintain it. Both teams just got on a hot streak behind hot goalies.

Not sure what my age has to do with any of the discussions we've had?....The continuous notion that other fans need to tell Flames fans they should wake up and smell the coffee is getting tiresome to have to read about everyday.

I anticipate the Flames blogs will have a dedicated Flames ref soon, hoping it allows for better debates that arent focused on "Flames suck, rebuild now..."
- Colin Dambrauskas

any time you disagree with him he questions your age.
It's his MO

That may very well happen, but with good management it should be easier because there are assets that are worth something. I always said that the 2004 cup run really hurt the Flames in the long run, because it made people think they could twea their line up and they had the peices necesary. I also said the same of the Oilers cup run in 06. They gave out some really dumb contracts after that run thinking these guys could maintain it. Both teams just got on a hot streak behind hot goalies.
- Iggysbff

That's really the question mark, isn't it? They've managed to bottom out for years. Can these guys actually build a winner?

any time you disagree with him he questions your age.
It's his MO
- Sam67

Ah, I remember my foolhardy 22s-25s. I got way in over my head on internet hockey debates all the time. Those were some crazy years!