[twitter]The Calgary Flames find themselves in the same position the Toronto Maple Leafs did a few years ago. They’ve got some big names on the bench, but not enough results to make it to the playoffs. The big names can bring in assets, but do you trade them?
The Flames face the same position with Jarome Iginla and Mikka Kiprusoff. Both could fetch nice bounties on the open market, but Iggy has a no-trade contract, and Kipper is virtually all that kept the Flames in their games this season.
Do the Flames rebuild or reload? That depends how badly everyone co-operates to make it happen.
It would be great if the two big guys could leave and bring the team some cans of food for the cupboard. Iggy could go for 3 years, and then return for a final season once the team is competitive again. If Kipper left, it would be for good, but Irving is waiting in the wings.
In the end, it doesn’t matter. I’ll cheer for the home team during the regular season, but once it matters I’ll trade in my Flames jersey for the Blue and Green warpaint.
Lord Stanley’s mug is up for grabs, this is what we live for, and I’m a Canucks fan first.
I’ll take some heat for cheering for an arch-rival of the Flames for the next 2-8 weeks, but it’s okay to cheer for the Canucks. It’s okay to cheer for the Coyotes. It’s okay to cheer for the Blues.
When the playoffs come, and your favourite team is no longer playing, be a hockey fan first.
Dad. Broadcaster. Writer.
Three time Guinness World Record Holder.
I run the world for Team Diabetes.
Buzz,
I think that the Flames need to look at a rebuild. They have some big names, but most of them are on the wrong side of 30. While they may not be able to move Iginla, they could move Kipper and hand the net over to Irving and Karlsson. Kipper alone could bring in 3-4 players/prospects and start the labourious task of restocking the farm and build the talent pool. The idea of reloading is wrong in my opinion. Feaster needs to realize that teams are not putting their checking lines out against Blake Comeau and Blair Jones and divest of a big name to acquire more young talent.
It’s time for the Flames to dismantle and start again. The current squad is getting older and no longer cutting the mustard. Edmonton’s hurting too, but they’ve got some bright young stars in there that could prove fruitful in the near future.
But none of that matters. Because, well, as you said, blue and green warpaint. 🙂
Go Canucks Go!
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