lol cmon you don’t really think Flames coaching staff/players give a shit where we draft. They are going to try to win every night, whether fans like it or not.
Yeah, it makes no sense for the players or coaches to tank intentionally. They might be traded/fired a year from now so what's the incentive for them to help the Flames get a higher draft pick who might be a difference maker in five years.
Padding their individual stats at least can directly translate to a bigger paycheck when they sign their next contract. I'm sure Kuzmenko for example really wants to hit that 50 point mark just for the optics.
And besides, these are pro athletes, they're bred to win and compete since they've been kids.