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Originally Posted by Royle9
It is.
Both guys have said they would move if the Flames feel it’s better for the franchise.
No they won’t accept trades to doomed franchises like Buffalo etc, but their “lists” of acceptable teams are far greater than you might think.
I’d argue that 20+ teams would make offers if Craig came out and declared both guys are 100% available.
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What is troubling is reading media reports that teams in a similar position to the Flames like the Blues, Sharks, Canucks,… have decided to sell while the Flames remain undecided. If holding a majority veteran roster with no playoff appearances for three years, and presently being outside the playoffs while in the midst of a significant heater doesn’t tell the decision makers that you are a seller then I am beginning to question if this group has the resolve to do any real heavy lifting.
We only hear what the team feeds to the media and maybe they have made a decision to actively pursue deals and are keeping this decision internal, but it is of interest that a young team the Flames are currently looking up at in the standings (Sharks) appear to be looking to acquire future assets at the cost of present players. That is bold and the reason they have guys like Cellebrini, Misa and Smith.
I trust that everyone involved in running this outfit is driven by a deep desire to win a cup, but wanting something doesn’t equate to achievement. I still believe the Flames are playing it coy and the 3 vets often discussed are moved by the deadline, but this recent streak has me feeling like the Flames could easily revert to business as usual. The reality is this opportunity dies at the deadline as Coleman becomes a vet rental and Kadri’s age becomes a bigger factor in any future deal. At that point if the Flames were to miss the playoffs again I don’t think a simple explanation about mediocre offers and trade complexities would satisfy the paying fan base, and I doubt even Maloney would be excited about heading that presser.