Quote:
Originally Posted by Psytic
Should have traded him last deadline. They never learn. Then the team at the deadline would be responsible for trying to sign him. The only plan this team has shown is to trade expiring contracts at the last minute. There is no commitment in either direction at this point. The Barn Burner guys are bang on.
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This is a pattern that goes long beyond Conroy as current GM of the club and sits squarely at the feet of ownership. The best teams move their assets when they realize that either a departure is likely, the team needs a shakeup, or the player may be plateauing. Edwards and co. simply won't deal with a fully gutted roster and no chance of playoffs for 2 years.
The only reason you take players into their UFA contract year is if you're a contender and are relying on the players to take you on a run. The Flames rarely ever have been in the last 10-20 years, so the approach makes little sense, especially now. Coleman and Kadri could be very valuable with salary retention, as could have Rasmus last offseason.
It is very frustrating to see the improved drafting, development of prospects that has come with staying out of the veteran UFA market under Conroy as well, only to have the team held back by not continuing to move forward and deal the remaining high value players that won't be part of the next wave. This team has a pipeline of prospects now, but no captain to drive the ship without a truly elite top line player and there's no way to get said player with the current approach.
TLDR: Move the remaining veteran core players that are aging and make it more realistic to draft/obtain the 100 point player(s) that you need in order to chase cups. All that is happening now is diminished returns when they do finally depart and a better record than the team deserves which is preventing more top 10 OA talent from being drafted.