This year has been a disaster. Unfortunately, this is nothing new. We have all seen this movie before. You would think the Flames would know this script and maybe change it up a bit. It is like they don't believe they need to change. When the teams fail over and over to meet expectations, usually the coach gets the axe. This year was no exception. Mr. Ward got the axe, and in came Mr. Daryl Sutter. With Sutter, we got to see heads roll. Players were motivated to play winning hockey, and the players did perform... for about four games. Then the old habits began to rear their ugly heads, and sure enough, the team fell into that dark hole otherwise known as oblivion. If you like Star Trek: there seems to be a rip in the space-time continuum.
The first problem the Flames have had is automatically firing coaches and not looking at the root of the problem. I am not saying keeping Ward would have been the solution; I am saying you have the right players for the coach. If you bring in a disciplinarian, you need the players who will respond to him. Or, as my hero of Stampede wrestling days, Ed Whalen, says, "What we have here is a malfunction at the junction." A coach's job to put his players in the best position for success. For Sutter to achieve his goals, he must have Sutter players.
When a team fails to reach its ultimate goal, it is easy to blame the players. And that is what management does when hiring a new coach does not produce results. Like it or not, the first place they look is the core of the roster. To keep with the Star Trek theme, it is only logical.
Our Captain is at the age where he needs more help in the leadership role. I see too many passengers and not enough leaders on this team. What they need is a young Lucic with some skill who can learn from Milan. Sutter knows this team needs some players who know how to win. More Gios and Milans. The only way there going to get those kinds of players is trading talent back.
Will this be the year Gaudreau is moved? Will the Flyers find a way? Will the Islanders or Rangers make a run at Gaudreau? Or do the Flames try to keep Johnny and consider dealing Monahan? The most likely choice is Gaudreau because the return is higher. Although, one can argue more teams are looking for a Centre. I could see the Rangers and Canadiens looking at Monahan. Only time will tell. The Flames will be busy around the draft. Rumour is, they would like to clear up some salary in the off-season.
Randy
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