Ugh, fine. Sorry Getback.
According to the following dates, Cammy could've been traded any other time:
http://flames.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=64733
Based on this article, Gillis didn't openly have Kesler on the block until at least early March.
http://www.vancouversun.com/touch/story.html?id=9555075
Finally, here's all the known trade interest during these dates
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=675589
I stand by my comments that there weren't any excuses. But again, meh, #### happens.