I'm assuming this is a leak from Ramsus's side to ensure a deal is made this off-season, rather than risk injury if it's not done until the deadline. It's either he's signed and traded to Vegas (or other team of his interest), or he's traded to a team with an understanding he's most likely a rental. Either way, it has poisoned the well of him coming into camp with the Flames. That is not distraction both him and Conroy should want to deal in with all season long.
I can't be mad at Anderson here because players got to do everything in their power to leverage things in their favour. It's all set up that the owners are meant to be the ones with the leverage. So take advantage of any you can get, because you only get one career, and generally only one opportunity at a big payday like this, with the luxury of choosing where to go.
Conroy has once again gotten burned by not learning from Hanafin that you can't corner yourself with a tradable asset. If they're not part of the long term plans, then they must be traded when he can extract the most value from the player with no constraints in place. That time was last year up to the trade deadline this past season with Anderson. He's now seeing the consequences from holding off. It is still salvageable to get a good return, but it's certainly more challenging.
When this similar situation comes up again, maybe third time will be a charm for Craig?
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