I think the priority for the next few weeks for Conroy is to do absolutely everything possible to move up in the draft - somewhere between 5-12 and get one of O'Brien, Martin, McQueen. Someone with 2C projection.
In my mind, coming out of this draft with one of those Center prospects is the best outcome we can ask for. The 18th/32nd overalls this year are likely just adding to our logjam of future 3rd liners.
IMO the Andersson trade has to happen first, then some of those assets combined with the 18th overall are in play. Something similar to the Hamonic return.. a mid first + two 2nd round picks for Andersson.
As for finding a top line.. hopefully this next season is the classic roller coaster reversal where the Flames go back down below expectations and we come out of next years draft with a 1C. I think top Wingers can be had in trades and through FA once we have a new rink and a top C/D/G in place.
Hate it or love it, the draft is the lifeblood of the NHL and if we ever want to be a perrenial contender we need to either be lucky, or agressive, or both IMO. Last year we got lucky that Parekh dropped to 9, this year we might need to make something happen if we want another potential home-run prospect.
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