I wouldn't expect any player on a team's active roster as part of the return on any trade, unless it is a cap-heavy player who is under-performing. Occasionally you can get a young player that was promising, but seems to be struggling (like Kakko, for instance?).
There are 'hockey trades' to be had, but I am not sure that's what Conroy is trying to accomplish. After listening to everything, the one thing I have realized is that I do believe when he says: "Rebuild", what he means is the scorched-earth variety, whereas I think I use the word rebuild, and it is more congruent to his usage of retool. I believe players like Mercer would of course fit the bill for Conroy, but I can't imagine the Devils being keen on including him (or any productive player on the active roster) as part of the return.
The point of acquiring a player like Markstrom or Hanifin (or both) from Calgary would be to fill holes, not exchange one hole for another.
In one of his interviews, Conroy specifically mentioned that he wants to get things, done, but teams want to include a heavy cap player, and that it doesn't make sense for the Flames. Gee... I wonder who it can be? My guess is New Jersey trying to throw Palat into the mix. Signed through the 26/27 season, at 6 million per season, and 32 years old (turning 33 in 2 months). This player does not fit the Flames. He would be 12th in points and 3rd in cap hit on the Flames - and again, 3 more seasons to go after this one.
New Jersey:
Markstrom
Calgary
1st
2nd
Palat
Who says no?
Conroy says no all day long. I am betting that is the 'bones' for a trade with New Jersey, or at least guessing at one with Markstrom being the target by them. To be clear, their salaries are a complete wash at 6 million per year, Palat's deal runs one year longer. Just a guess on my part anyway.
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