Don't the flames already have an "experienced" support cast? Cammy, Tangay, Sarich, Wideman, Gio, GlenX, Hudler.
- FL4MES

Right, but it never hurts to upgrade said cast

Don't the flames already have an "experienced" support cast? Cammy, Tangay, Sarich, Wideman, Gio, GlenX, Hudler.
- FL4MES

Cammi. Tangs and Sarich will not be around for long. Both Cammi and Sarich have only 1yr left on their contracts. I also expect Tanguay to be traded in the next year. Wideman, Gio etc are at a better age and have longer term left on their contracts. IMO, they are the ones leading the charge and showing the kids the way. That said, adding a couple more 27-28 yr olds that can contribute for another 5-7 years would help. I'm sure Feaster and his crew will make room on the roster for at least 1 or 2 kids to grab. Sven aside, we don't have anyone ready to jump into a top 6 role.

A few guys on your list that I would like CGY to go after, Colin.

Filppula, Stalberg and Clarkson

Flipper plays all 3 fwd positions and reuniting him with his buddy Hudler could be good.

The other 2 add grit and some size to the right side.

Welcome back by the way. I hope you hiatus and golf game were all good
- TandA4Flames

So why is all the criticism lobbed at the "scorched earth" era, and not the "offer sheet Penner and Vanek, trade for Heatley, try to lure Nylander with an Edmonton's great DVD and overpay Horcoff and Pisani by 2 million each" era?

Colin is talking about avoiding the mistakes made by Edmonton since the scorched earth era, and I responded within those parameters.

Damage was done at that time. The whole post cup run history (07-10) is a cluster(frank). They whiffed on ALL their goals. I agree with you there.

It is not my opinion that when they arrive at a completely barren roster and prospect pool, and prepped to draft (Taylor Hall) first overall, they intended to make the playoffs within 3 years. You can agree to disagree there.

Most fans here made their goal being in the run for the playoffs by the trade deadline (which we were), whatever indicator that may be.
- Morris

Okay. That makes sense. Not much to disagree with there. Guess I took a little bit of it out of context.

Okay. That makes sense. Not much to disagree with there. Guess I took a little bit of it out of context.
- Dirte

I'm not deluding myself that we haven't been in one sort of rebuild or another for pretty much 10 years The management missteps are at least slightly fewer now.

Uhh..Souray?
- Blackstrom2

He wasn't wanted here period. He kept breaking his hand and then talked a bunch of poop about the organization. Then when he wanted to apologize it was already too late.

Division Standings next year.

1. Anaheim
2. Los Angeles
3. San Jose
4. Vancouver
5. Phoenix (if they remain in Arizona)
6. Edmonton
7. Calgary
- LeftCoaster

No Chicago? Aren't they going to have basically the same team as this year?
Edit: forget this post. Forgot Chicago was switching to the east

For next time jimmyc gets out of control

I completely agree. The idea of signing UFA vets is to take the pressure off the kids coming up. It also allows a team to maintain a legitimate chance at challenging for the PO and maintaining a winning attitude.

Obviously there are 2 schools of thought on this. The Oilers burned it to the ground and the strategy (and yes, even a rebuild has a strategy) was to suck for a few years, draft high and put together some high talent. The risk is that these kids can lose coinfidence or fall into a mentallity whereby losing becomes the norm and the expectation. Of course no pro player or manager is going to say that that is the way but things start to creep into ones approach without being aware. The positives are that you draft some of the highest talents available in each draft.

CGY's approach will likely not return the high end guys, at least at the draft stage, but they may develop into better players and a better team as they will learn professionalism, hopefully, from added vets. This is actually a time that CGY should be looking for character. I think they've actually started that with guys like Hanowski etc. They need a couple NHL's though.
- TandA4Flames

Bullpoop, kids just wanna play, bringing vets is coddles the whinny fans, nothing more

Bullpoop, kids just wanna play, bringing vets is coddles the whinny fans, nothing more
- NEWDOG

Yea, I think you're missing the point. Kids excitement needs to be tempered by vets. Otherwise they don't learn a thing.

This isn't rec league, there is real money and investment involved here.

I completely agree. The idea of signing UFA vets is to take the pressure off the kids coming up. It also allows a team to maintain a legitimate chance at challenging for the PO and maintaining a winning attitude.

Obviously there are 2 schools of thought on this. The Oilers burned it to the ground and the strategy (and yes, even a rebuild has a strategy) was to suck for a few years, draft high and put together some high talent. The risk is that these kids can lose coinfidence or fall into a mentallity whereby losing becomes the norm and the expectation. Of course no pro player or manager is going to say that that is the way but things start to creep into ones approach without being aware. The positives are that you draft some of the highest talents available in each draft.

CGY's approach will likely not return the high end guys, at least at the draft stage, but they may develop into better players and a better team as they will learn professionalism, hopefully, from added vets. This is actually a time that CGY should be looking for character. I think they've actually started that with guys like Hanowski etc. They need a couple NHL's though.
- TandA4Flames

This is what I was trying to say. There's pros and cons to each, and obviously after seeing the "rebuild" of sorts that Ottawa did (which I personally believe is about one in a million) and the collapse at the end of the season that befell the Oilers, Calgary's going to look at trying to replicate Ottawa's success as more desirable.

What I've found confusing is the notion of some (not every) Calgary fans who thinks they'll have the benefit of having the highest-end prospects coming in, AND being able to slow burn them for 4 years while vets play most of the major minutes. It's near impossible to have it both ways.

Don't the flames already have an "experienced" support cast? Cammy, Tangay, Sarich, Wideman, Gio, GlenX, Hudler.
- FL4MES

I'd say the vets they'll rebuild around will be Gio, GlenX, Wideman. Cammy and Tangs will finish out their contract or be traded at deadline next year.

Sarich will probably get one more year.

Stemper, Hudler, Jackman will also play a role. But mostly filling the roster as players become NHL ready.

vets
line 1a - Tanguay/cammy
line 1b - Glenx/Hudler/(backland)
line 3 - stemper
line 4 - Jackman

that gives room for players to earn their spots, and get some experience.

Gio/wideman/brodie is a pretty solid start to a rebuild on D. Edmonton would have loved to have had that start. I think D is where they should sign a UFA, takes longer to develop. Better then blowing a big paycheck on a big name this year.

This is what I was trying to say. There's pros and cons to each, and obviously after seeing the "rebuild" of sorts that Ottawa did (which I personally believe is about one in a million) and the collapse at the end of the season that befell the Oilers, Calgary's going to look at trying to replicate Ottawa's success as more desirable.

What I've found confusing is the notion of some (not every) Calgary fans who thinks they'll have the benefit of having the highest-end prospects coming in, AND being able to slow burn them for 4 years while vets play most of the major minutes. It's near impossible to have it both ways.
- Morris

I don't think anyone here thinks we have high end prospects coming in, Sven aside. And the idea would be to integrate maybe 2 guys at a time. Sven should be brought in as a top 6 player and at times slliding down to 3rd line. He can be given soft minutes to start to build his confidence and add to his comfort with the speed of the game. As he progresses he gets tougher minutes and asignments. How quickly he moves to those assignments is up to him. TJ Brodie is the perfect example. He started the year in the press box. He moved to #6 D then to 2nd pairing with a vet and then at the end he was leading minutes on the back end. That is quick progression but you get the point. If a 2nd guy comes in he is likely a 3rd or even 4th line guy or #7 D to start. Each of these players would have vets on each line or D pairing to help them along.

The tough thing for EDM has been that with so many kids at 1 time, one of those lines is forced to play tough minutes right away.

OTT still had Alfie, Spezza, Michalek and brought in guys like Gonchar to help with the transition.

I don't think anyone here thinks we have high end prospects coming in, Sven aside. And the idea would be to integrate maybe 2 guys at a time. Sven should be brought in as a top 6 player and at times slliding down to 3rd line. He can be given soft minutes to start to build his confidence and add to his comfort with the speed of the game. As he progresses he gets tougher minutes and asignments. How quickly he moves to those assignments is up to him. TJ Brodie is the perfect example. He started the year in the press box. He moved to #6 D then to 2nd pairing with a vet and then at the end he was leading minutes on the back end. That is quick progression but you get the point. If a 2nd guy comes in he is likely a 3rd or even 4th line guy or #7 D to start. Each of these players would have vets on each line or D pairing to help them along.

The tough thing for EDM has been that with so many kids at 1 time, one of those lines is forced to play tough minutes right away.
- TandA4Flames

Hopefully that does work out. It's tough to hold animosity against flames fans, when both teams have been lacking top end success for a long time.

Is it a hope for flames fans that this 6th overall is the last big prospect piece? It'll be interesting to see if they can concentrate on keeping a winning culture while still bringing the kids along.

Maybe one point I'll concede is that in terms of attitude, even finishing 25th is probably better than dead last. That being said defeatism can probably creep in any year you don't make the playoffs.

Hopefully that does work out. It's tough to hold animosity against flames fans, when both teams have been lacking top end success for a long time.

Is it a hope for flames fans that this 6th overall is the last big prospect piece? It'll be interesting to see if they can concentrate on keeping a winning culture while still bringing the kids along.

Maybe one point I'll concede is that in terms of attitude, even finishing 25th is probably better than dead last. That being said defeatism can probably creep in any year you don't make the playoffs.
- Morris

It'll be interesting, for sure. Obviously some luck is involved as well as good coaching. And I know that MacLean is a really good coach.

I think as long as Hartley is able to set realistic and achievable goals for the team without excepting losing, it could work out. What ever personel additions the get could add or subtract from the proper balance in the locker room as well.

As far as the 6th being the last big prospect piece, it would be nice but unlikely. There is always other uncontrolable factors like injuries. I'm prepared for a couple more years out of the PO. And if we should be so bad that we get Connor McDavid in 2015, well, I guess I'll just have to live with it.

I can't help but notice that this blog missed one important reason why Cervenka went back to the KHL. Maybe cause Feaster is an idiot and he didn't wanna remain and be a part of the "retooling" that is going to take place the next few years in Calgary. Not hard to figure that out. Also the fact he probably realized it's a lot harder to play over here than the KHL and people actually hit in this league. No loss to the flames whatsoever. Good riddance ya pansy, thanks for gracing the League with your presence.
- ruttager17

The blood clotting issue really hindered this guy. At times this season when he was playing with Hudler, he showed some real promise. I feel bad for the guy.

I bet you have never watched a KHL game in your life, which leads me to believe that you're filled with ignorant comments.

Oh right.........realignment. Forgot about that little detail.
- TandA4Flames

We'll probably be battling Colorado for the first overall.

No Chicago? Aren't they going to have basically the same team as this year?
Edit: forget this post. Forgot Chicago was switching to the east
- Ihatebrianburke

Detriot is going East. Chicago will be in the other west division with Columbus Nashville Winnipeg Colorado

We'll probably be battling Colorado for the first overall.
- flamminghead

I can't see us being that bad. I think we have a lot of changes to see before the new season.

I can't see us being that bad. I think we have a lot of changes to see before the new season.
- TandA4Flames

I'm trying to be objective but it looks like some of our young guys will be forced into roles they won't be ready for. I like Reinhart but not in the top 6 which is where he might be slotted in. I can't see how the Flames will make a big impact on free agency unless they overpay with long term contracts which isn't something I am in favour of. I would however love Bozak next season if Feaster can pull it off.

I'm trying to be objective but it looks like some of our young guys will be forced into roles they won't be ready for. I like Reinhart but not in the top 6 which is where he might be slotted in. I can't see how the Flames will make a big impact on free agency unless they overpay with long term contracts which isn't something I am in favour of. I would however love Bozak next season if Feaster can pull it off.
- flamminghead

Meh, on Bozak. If he could get him at a reasonable price, sure. But I think it will cost too much. Same for MacArthur; no thank you.

I think most new additions will come via trade in cost cutting measures by other teams. I have no doubt Feaster will make some attempts and likely signings in free agency as well. I don't expect to see too many young guys at once.

I'm trying to be objective but it looks like some of our young guys will be forced into roles they won't be ready for. I like Reinhart but not in the top 6 which is where he might be slotted in. I can't see how the Flames will make a big impact on free agency unless they overpay with long term contracts which isn't something I am in favour of. I would however love Bozak next season if Feaster can pull it off.
- flamminghead

Right now he probably isn't in top 6
Cammy tangs glenx backlund hudler baertchi
There is still stemp stajan that could fill in top 6

Meh, on Bozak. If he could get him at a reasonable price, sure. But I think it will cost too much. Same for MacArthur; no thank you.

I think most new additions will come via trade in cost cutting measures by other teams. I have no doubt Feaster will make some attempts and likely signings in free agency as well. I don't expect to see too many young guys at once.
- TandA4Flames

Well I just know the Flames need centermen. I don't know who else the Flames should target. Right now we have Backlund who is injured alot and Stajan. Not much else.

Meh, on Bozak. If he could get him at a reasonable price, sure. But I think it will cost too much. Same for MacArthur; no thank you.

I think most new additions will come via trade in cost cutting measures by other teams. I have no doubt Feaster will make some attempts and likely signings in free agency as well. I don't expect to see too many young guys at once.
- TandA4Flames

Anyone that can win faceoffs cheap would be nice

Well I just know the Flames need centermen. I don't know who else the Flames should target. Right now we have Backlund who is injured alot and Stajan. Not much else.
- flamminghead

Cammy played some center as well but I'd rather a more natural faceoff man