Scotia Place | 36.85m | 11s | CSEC | HOK

[CalgaryTiger]

Losing McDavid would be a big hit to their franchise values. The point was the Flames would realistic only fall to 20 even in a full rebuild. And franchises surrounding them are spending to the cap cup contenders. The idea that Calgary is a small market that can't spend to the cap or can't fully rebuild just isn't right.

I agree with this, southern Alberta is a large untapped market in terms of fan interest. Currently they have a pretty loyal fanbase that props them up. You have to be loyal to ensure 35 years of mediocrity. If the team becomes a contender and goes on a deep run, you start to pull in even the most casual of fan, including people who have never watched a hockey game.

There's also the fact that the Flames market can reach outside of Alberta, southern Saskatchewan and Southeastern BC are also ripe for the taking too. Those areas wouldn't bring in huge dollars spent but it would be more than it is now.

I've seen it firsthand, kids in this city are McDavid and thus Oiler fans, I hate it, but I get it. The flames become anything more than they are now and you start to pull in young fans like that. Honestly, '04 is why I'm such a diehard. I was a pretty impressionable teenager during that run, and I haven't been able to turn off my fandom, though I have tried.

 

[RolleyMakr_168]

Me as an Avalanche fan reading this thread wishing nothing but the best for the Flames and their fanbase. Calgary's my alternate team