The margins last season were so tight, and there were some people who stated that it won't take much for the Flames to plummet down the standings this year.
However, I don't think it is so cut and dry. I think the start to the season has been very difficult due to the schedule, but look at how this team is playing now. I think they have bounced-back to what they were last season - a hard-working team that can win if they out-compete the other side.
If this continues - and if the plan is to get a high pick - Conroy may need to make a deal sooner than later in order to slow the team down a bit. I think once anyone goes (Andersson, Kadri or Coleman) the entire team nosedives from a combination of a hole that will be difficult to fill, and killing this team's will.
The value difference between taking a less-than-ideal return on one of those players as compared to the value difference of drafting 1st overall vs 8th or 9th overall is smaller. Conroy does have full control on how the Flames end up this season. Still lots of time in the season left, so absolutely no reason to panic yet. The Flames on their own can simply run out of steam too, so I think Conroy should continue showing patience. I just think this is a move he will make well ahead of the trade deadline if the Flames are having a bit too much success this time around.
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