As I float here in the Okanagan, already on my fifth.... sixth drink, the sun beating down on me. My thoughts have naturally turned to hockey. Today my thoughts are less on the Oilers and more on the Calgary Flames.
Calgary had maybe one of the most dissapointong seasons this year. The team was a shoe in to make the post season at the beginning of the year yet they found themselves on the outside, unable to beat the free space that was the Ottawa Senators. It was an ugly ride with fans now wondering what the next move is. Tensions are high and there is going to be a shakeup of some sorts.
Luckily for Flames fans, I am kind of an expert in discussing rebuilds. The Oilers have done like four of them over the last decade and with my drunken stupor kicking in I thought I would share this info with you, and your management group on how to proceed.
1) Don't Let Players Walk
Rumors have been circulating lately that Matt Tkachuk reportedly wants out of Calgary. The forward had a down season from his previous career high and was often the source of ire from the fan base for a perceived lack of engaged play. If Tkachuk wants out my thoughts are this... don't let him. The team has him still under contract. Sit down with him, tell him your future plans and at the very least have him play this next season and then make a call.
2.) Get Some Draft Picks
The Flames have been a perpetually mediocre team for years. Not good enough to really make some noise but not bad enough the gain any high draft picks to develop good players. It's a fine line the team has walked for years. The team doesn't need to collect three first round picks in four years to win because it's kind of been proven that doesn't always work. But to be a constant competitor you need young talented players always at the ready.
3.) Don't Miss Your Trade Window
This is already a bit of a miss for Calgary as Mark Giordano is still a member of the Calgary Flames but if you are going to trade players dont do it at the lowest possible value. The same should be applied to guys like Sean Monahan... by the way I still remember when Calgary thought they had found their top line centre that was fun... oh also when they did the same with Sam Bennett who looks great in a Panthers jersey. What was I saying again... right trade value. Calgary can't move Monahan for nothing, Edmonton traded Petry for a third round pick and Hemsky for nothing too. To successfully rebuild you need to win at least most of your trades.
4.) Balance Your Roster
Edmonton's early rebuilds failed because they focused too much in one area. First it was all young players with now supporting vets, then it was all forwards and no defense. Finally now the Oilers are looking decent because they are building the forward and defensive group together.
5.) Be Prepared Because Oilers Fans Are Going to Mock You Relentlessly.
Remember all those years where Flames fans laughed at Oilers fans for their struggles? Well the bill is about to come due. I truly believe the best thing for Calgary is to start a true rebuild to be competitive for years to come... that doesn't mean I'm not going to mercilessly insult them as they go about it. It's part of the fun of hockey.
Thanks for reading time, for my ninth drink.