What Next For Calgary?

Alex's question this week focused on what the Calgary Flames can do to have a productive 13/14 season. In perhaps fortunate coincidence, Bleacher Report recently named Flames' GM Jay Feaster as the NHL's worst GM.

You can't swing a virtual cat on the internet without finding hatred for Feaster. His questionable trades have left a lot of fans scratching their heads. The Flames' trade policy has been about bringing in young players who haven't peaked yet. Except when old players become available, that policy goes out the window. This inconsistency in the boardroom will be reflected on the ice.

The loss of Jarome Iginla left a huge gap in the Flames' roster and the club is still yet to announce its captain. Mike Cammalleri has his eye on the C but with after finishing on -15 last season, is he the best candidate?

So what next? How do the Flames rebuild? Here's a few pointers:

• Appoint a new captain. The Flames have just resigned TJ Brodie to a new two year deal, why not make him captain. Sure there's more experience on the team but Brodie delivered last season.
• Stop being a farm team. The worst thing about developing players is then seeing them play great for a different team. Keep some of that talent. 
• Find a strategy. Change needs to come from the top, either Feaster needs to go, or perhaps more sensibly, he needs to make a plan and stick to it.
• Include the fans, there are a few teams who would sell their own grandmother to have the sort of loyal fans that Calgary has. Let the fans have a voice and listen to them. 

That's it. Unless change happens, the Flames will be a middle of the road team who aren't good enough to challenge for the cup but are too good to get any good draft picks.