I think the disappointment is not because Treliving isn't outbidding other teams just to win (but ultimately lose) a trade deal, but rather that the Flames have several glaring holes that are preventing the team from moving forward and it doesn't seem as though Treliving has been able to address those holes, even though he recognizes them too (given the deals he's been rumored to be in on), and even though he seems to be working hard to address to them.
The issue I have is that it's hard to blame Treliving. There are so many variables at play:
- the players the Flames have to offer in return may not be the fit the other GM is looking for
- the reality that other teams are often prepared to outbid
- the salary implications of a trade all has to come together for both teams
- the looming expansion draft
No magic wands to make all of that just come together, and more often than not one or more of those factors are going to de-rail a deal.
This year it's even more complicated for the Flames given that they genuinely seem like major players in at least a couple of the premiere free agent sweepstakes, so that's another factor that is going to limit the potential for moves in advance of free agency.
Treliving didn't do much to improve the team last year, and it showed with another disappointing first round exit. At some point he needs to make the moves that will allow the team to take that next step, that's ultimately his job. But patience is really important in not forcing yourself into a bad decision. We'll have a better sense between now and the weekend whether or not all of his hard work and patience will pay off.
So I get the frustration some fans are feeling, and it's difficult to be patient, but I am glad Treliving hasn't made any foolish trades so far this off-season, and hopefully something does come together to make the team better because the team is clearly not good enough. Lots of time to do that though, even for this next season.