Flames’ Imminent Superiority Over Oilers: Columnist Offers Misleading Narrative – MASHAHER

ISLAM GAMAL14 August 2024Last Update :
Flames’ Imminent Superiority Over Oilers: Columnist Offers Misleading Narrative – MASHAHER


The notion that the Calgary Flames could eventually match or surpass the Edmonton Oilers is certainly not out of the realm of possibility. But, to suggest that day is around the corner or sooner than later is a stretch. That makes a recent article about Calgary imminently being the superior team a nice pipe dream, but one not based in reality.

A recent column from Rupert McDonald suggested the following:

In the present, the Oilers remain one of the NHL’s best teams, while the Flames are expected to struggle in 2024-25. As such, the bragging from the fans up north will continue. However, that could change much sooner than many think, and in a short time, it could instead be Flames fans who are laughing.

McDonald argued that the Oilers might lose Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, and Evan Bouchard to free agency; suggesting that if Draisaitl leaves first, the others could follow suit in a mass exodus of players getting out while they can. That could start as early as the summer of 2025. And, should the Oilers keep all three, the article also suggests that their exorbitant salaries will make it hard to compete, while the Flames youngster grow into their roles and make the Flames contenders.

There are a few problems with both theories.

Oilers Aren’t Losing These Stars For Nothing

On the off chance that Draisaitl was to hold off on an extension and then leave in free agency, the Oilers won’t make the same mistake three times. It’s unlikely they even make it once. But, for the sake of argument, letting Draisaitl leave with no return would wake up the Oilers management team quickly to the idea that they can’t let McDavid do the same.

The return Edmonton would get for these players would arguably make them a weaker team, but the haul would still be tremendous. Edmonton will easily remain contenders, taking quantity over quality. Teams would line up to acquire these stars even without guaranteed extensions in place.

And, assuming the Oilers keep all three, the rising salary cap and rumors that each is willing to take a bit of a discount to stay only suggest affording all three players is easier to do in two or three seasons than it would be today. Even if Draisaitl makes $13.5 million, McDavid makes $15 million, and Bouchard $10 million, that’s around 38% of a $100 million cap. It’s a lot, and arguably too much when compared to teams who have won a Stanley Cup, but it’s workable.

It’s important to note that the Flames also have contracts that aren’t providing great value for their investment. Just because the Oilers might end up overpaying for their elite stars, doesn’t mean the players won’t provide unreal on-ice results.

Flames fans would love for nothing more than Calgary to be better than Edmonton shortly. But, to suggest that day is coming soon or happening in a matter of a couple of seasons, that’s an idea that is bound to lead to disappointment.




Source Agencies

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