Here is the thing, and I started a thread about it last season.
The flames aren't interested in picks. Even if they trade Iginla, which I actually don't think will happen, they will still very likely be unable to admit publicly or to themselves that the team is in a rebuilding mode.
Calgary is not interested in draft picks. Calgary wants PLAYERS.
Unfortunately, teams that have good rosters full of good players in a good position heading into the playoffs don't trade those good players. Good teams don't trade good players right before they are likely to need them in order to win. They will, however, readily trade draft picks as draft picks have their lowest value to a team when they believe they are on the cusp of winning.
The example is the lightning and the predators. Tampa wanted a goalie, the preds had one to give up. The lightning wanted the preds goalie, but the preds weren't interested in trading him at the deadline. Why? Because they might have needed him!
Asking for substantial roster returns from teams for deadline deals is a pretty good way to get less value for an asset that you'd be able to by taking picks as well.
I mean, I even think it's a stretch that Calgary would get a return of Oshie+ from St.Louis. I doubt they'd be willing to part with any roster player unless over the course of the season they've been a routine odd-man-out like Kris Russell.
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