Since competing for the Stanley Cup in 2004, the Calgary Flames have struggled to return to legitimate contenders. While the club has continued to produce winning season after winning season, they haven't truly battled. In the six previous seasons, the Flames have failed to get past the first round. And in the two most recent seasons, they have missed the playoffs altogether. What happened to this team?
A better question would be, "Why didn't something happen to this team?" Although only two players have played every season for the Flames since the lockout, Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff, there were still a number of individuals who spent many years in the uniform. Cory Sarich, Rene Bourque, Daymond Langkow, Curtis Glencross, Mark Giordano, Craig Conroy, Alex Tanguay, Olli Jokinen and David Moss have all played at least four seasons with the club. For some reason, Tanguay and Jokinen left, but then returned.
In all fairness to Calgary, most of these athletes were the club's top performers. Still, we all know that if results aren't achieved, especially in markets like Calgary, change is imminent. The club has tried a few shakeups to deflect the blame of stagnance. They've shipped off Dion Phaneuf, Robyn Regher, Kristian Huselius, Matthew Lombardi, Michael Cammalleri, Todd Bertuzzi and others for Jay Bouwmeester, Chris Butler, Paul Byron and Brendan Morrison. Obviously I'm leaving a few individuals out, but these hardly seem like upgrades to a roster that was all ready struggling.
The team has tried some coaching changes throughout the past few seasons as well (Darryl Sutter, Jim Playfair, Mike Keenan and Brent Sutter), but to no avail. When the time right for a team to start from scratch and rebuild? The Flames possess a bit of homegrown talent. Mark Giordano, Mikael Backlund and Roman Horak are the most notable, but beyond that there isn't much.
I believe the best way for the franchise to turn itself around would be to part ways with superstar forward Jarome Iginla. If he agrees to waive his no-trade clause, he would command an incredible return for a team that desires young talent going forward. Here is what Iginla brings to the table. This type of production is going to be valued in any market - most specifically those that can afford his $7 million cap hit for two more seasons.
So my question to you readers:
Where should Iginla be sent and what would you expect in return?
If Florida wants to make a serious run in the playoffs within the next few years, they could deal a few youngsters for a stalwart, who will bring experience and leadership, like Jarome Iginla. While I do think they have to keep Jonathan Huberdeau and either Kulikov or Gudbranson, they could dish the other D-man in addition to any 2 of the young studs in Quinton Howden, Nick Bjugstad, or Rocco Grimaldi. In personally knowing Erik Gudbranson and watching him grow up and play midgets in Ottawa and then juniors in Kingston, I can tell you he's one tough hombre who you want to evolve into the keystone of your organization. Regardless, with significant cap room available let's see what magic Dale Tallon has up his sleeve.
ReplyDelete-Pierre McGuire
Elegant title Sanjay. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIt's the 'nickname' linked to a fake AIM account I created to ruin a close friend's reputation in middle school. It was not directed toward you. Good article, serious comment.
ReplyDeleteHaha, my fault. My friend Sanjay writes well so I figured you were him. He also enjoys jabs at me. It made sense. Either way, thanks for reading!
ReplyDelete