I don't worry about Conroy making a bad move from now until the trade deadline. Outside of Okhotyuk, there hasn't been a move where I thought it was bad.
Treliving takes a lot of heat on these forums (and in my opinion, most of it is deserved). However, he made some really good moves too, and one of these was the deadline deals (or close to the deadline) in 2015, where he moved both Baertschi and Glencross for futures only, even though the Flames were in a playoff spot. He could have easily trotted out the whole "Own rentals" (at least for Glencross) who was a long-term piece of this team. He took heat for trading Baertschi at the time, but that trade turned out to be an absolute home run.
I think Conroy will approach this deadline similarly. I doubt he will use the term: "Own rentals" unless he doesn't get an offer on a player. The upcoming UFAs are: Vladar, Kuzmenko, Mantha, Barrie, Hanley, Rooney and Kirkland. I can see one of Rooney and Kirkland re-signed just to fill for the 4th line C position, but probably not both. I think if there are offers on these players (aside from Mantha with his injury, unfortunately) by the deadline, they will be traded.
Rasmus may or may not be part of that this season. No rush on him, even though I do agree that in theory, he holds the most value now with having an extra year on a team-friendly deal. Either way, Rasmus wants to re-sign here or not, or the price that Conroy sets will be met eventually. If Rasmus does want to move, then as soon as that price is met he will move I bet.
I think Conroy has a plan for the next few seasons, and regardless of how the Flames do in the standings, he will follow the plan set-forth.
Realistically speaking, does the plan change because the Flames make the playoffs this year? Does it show that they are further ahead than management thought? That happened after 2015, not during 2015, but I doubt that whatever happens in terms of the standing and playoffs this year, that Conroy will be changing his plans. The Flames still have huge gaping holes in their lineup long-term. I am sure that regardless of how the Flames actually perform this year, it won't alter the direction that this team takes.
I also think that you can always sign players to help mentor and insulate the youth. Don't pass up good opportunities to accumulate valuable assets, but definitely don't expose young players by not insulating them. Sign good vets every off-season after you trade them away, and I am sure Conroy will be doing that if Rasmus and/or Kadri get traded.
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