In an interview not too long ago, Huska stated that he expects some of the players who haven't re-signed yet to end up re-signing as the season unfolds due to a variety of factors (I believe he mentioned the environment on the team this year, and how good they believe they will be, among other things).
Assuming that Huska is in regular communication with Conroy (or at least knows something), then it sounds like Conroy is going to start the season with what I assume are the higher-value upcoming UFAs.
That's certainly the direction that things appear to be headed in. I really don't want to be Conroy right now. I actually feel really sorry for him if things don't work out. What is he supposed to do? Just start unloading players for pennies on the dollar in this soft market? That won't help the Flames either compete this season, or help the rebuild. That will just set this organization back years.
However, what happens if this market is still soft by the trade deadline? What if the Flames are just in the playoffs, and players don't want to re-sign still? That's a lot of 'what ifs', but it certainly feels like the Flames are entering this season somewhat in limbo, or at the very least, feels like they are rolling the dice at the roulette table.
I also think that most teams aren't interested in doing 'hockey trades' at the deadline, as they are looking to add pieces rather than look for a 'shake-up'. If pieces like Lindholm and Hanifin don't want to re-sign still, and the Flames are just in a playoff spot, and there are no good offers for a hockey trade, only a futures trade, does Conroy pull the plug on the season? Will he even have the autonomy to do so? On one hand, you have a bunch of players playing hard for their new deals, but on the other hand, there is so much noise still with new coaching, players wanting out, etc.,.
I can see this team surprising people and doing really well, and I can see this team imploding as well and being pushed into a rebuild. Interesting times ahead. The only person in this organization that I really feel sorry for is Conroy. I think he is really stuck between a rock.. and a wall of fire.
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