With the Calgary Flames nine points out of a playoff spot, someone had to be the scapegoat for their losing ways. Enter the recent resignation of Darryl Sutter as general manager. Was he to blame? Perhaps.
In order to look at the present, a glance into the past may give some answers as to why the Flames are looking for answers like a toddler looks for a circuit outlet.

Looking into the NHL entry draft of previous years may be the best way to look deep into the Flames organization to identify a weakness. While some teams may overlook a quality player or two with their pick, the Flames have made it their status quo.  
In most cases, players chosen in the entry need a few years to develop before they can be considered regular NHLers. Of course there are some exceptions, but for the most part some seasoning is needed. So let’s look at the Flames drafting history, but be warned that reader discretion is strongly advised.  
From 2004-2008 the Flames drafted a total of 38 players and of those 38, one – Michael Backlund – actually plays in the NHL on a regular basis.  
During the same time period the Detroit Red Wings, a franchise that is consistently near the top of the league, drafted 35 players, five of whom play regular minutes as NHLers.
And now for the grand mother of all premier drafting abilities – the Washington Capitals. They drafted a whopping 48 players from 2004-2008 and 12 of those draft picks are NHLers. Some of those picks include franchise players like Alex Ovechkin, Niclas Backstrom, Mike Green and the list goes on.
Imagine what the Flames team could look like if it had made the right choice at those entry drafts. Had they not traded away a bunch of their draft picks for mediocre players, the current Flames roster could include names like Paul Stasny, Mike Green, Brandon Dubinsky, Alex Edler and Johan Franzen.
So with a team near the bottom of the league, a general manager resigned, Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff being blamed for every loss, and a prospect list that looks eerily similar to a barren wasteland, what’s the next step?
REBUILD.
The Flames are not just one or two good players away from being a cup contender and they have very little to look forward to in terms of prospects. So, it’s time to trade some of their top players in exchange for prospects and picks.
It may take a few years, but in the grand scheme of success, a team needs to occupy the outhouse before heading to the penthouse.
As for where some of the current Flames may end the season, I think Iginla heads to either the New York Rangers or Los Angeles Kings. Kiprusoff leaves for the greener pastures of Tampa Bay or Philadelphia. And if a team gets really desperate for a $4 million defensive defenceman like Robyn Regehr, he may find himself heading to Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Colorado or St. Louis.
Having said all of that, fear not Flames fans, at least you’re not the New York Islanders.