[JerryUnderscore]

I think this is another example of us Flames fans being a pessimistic lot by nature.

We collectively wrung our hands worrying that Johnny would use the college free agent loop hole instead of signing with the Flames. (How many people suggested we should try to trade him before he takes advantage of the loop hole?)

We collectively worried that Johnny wouldn't re-sign this summer, once again suggesting we should trade him.

Now we're collectively worrying that Brad Treliving might leave the team because he doesn't have a contract.

However, from the Flames perspective it doesn't make any sense to give him a new deal right now. Ken King and Brian Burke have to answer one question: Is Brad Treliving the best GM in the game right now? If the answer is no, then they need to ask, "Who's better and could they come available this summer?"

While I think it's highly unlikely, what if Stan Bowman or Ken Holland were let go from their teams this summer. If Brad Treliving doesn't have a contract and one of those two were fired, who would you rather have?

Personally, I think I'd take Treliving, but that's not a clear cut answer.

From the Flames perspective, they have everything to lose and nothing to gain by re-signing Treliving right now. On the flip side, they have very little to lose and a lot to potentially gain if they simply wait until the post-season to see who might be available. Could Treliving walk? Certainly. Is it a guarantee, I highly doubt it.

From a business perspective it makes sense. From a personnel perspective it's not exactly the best way to treat your employees, but everyone in the NHL knows that hockey is a business.