[saillias]

Interesting conversation with Francis on the Marek show today.

Their talk starts 49 minutes in. Marek thinks (not in a I have a sources way, but in a I speculate way, he makes this clear) that Mercer would be part of a Markstrom trade package. Francis notes that Markstrom is more open to a trade than he thought, per his interview with him the other day when Markstrom said "the ball is in their court."

He's certain the window on Hanifin returning has closed. The price is apparently a 1st, a prospect, and a player who can play now (a Sharangovich/Kuzmenko type). They both note the difference between Conroy and other GMs who only want futures.

Francis goes on to talk about how Calgary management doesn't believe in a tear it down rebuild and thinks it's better to acquire players like those 2 ^ to act as temporary stop gaps. Flames believe in having good vets around to groom the young players. Francis says this is the most positive and energetic dressing room he's ever seen right now.

Also reiterates this Markstrom rumor is only happening because of Wolf and they need to get him an NHL spot ASAP.