In the ESPN proposal links they only did theoretical Tanev and Markstrom trades both of which had insane returns that are highly unlikely. In the event that they did happen though that would be what the lineup would look like before trading Hanifin. I joked that he might just reconsider extending if Conroy pulled off a double fleecing like that lol.
It certainly feels like trade values are the full spectrum - right from poor returns should be expected, to extreme robbery, and everything in-between.
I actually trust Conroy, and every deal he has made thus far has been at least fair (Zadorov - though maybe it edges good) or really good (Toffoli) to outstanding (Lindholm). Nobody is perfect, and the market will dictate what the market dictates.
As for 'winners and losers' - that's for the history books to look back on with hindsight. Nobody here was happy with the returns for Iginla and Bouwmeester, but few if any of us here expected absolutely nothing in the end. Lots of teary eyed folks were upset with Fleury leaving and what looked like a terrible trade for a prospect who had recently been in a nightmare of an accident, but hindsight shows that it was a great return as Regehr became one of the most important players for this organization for over a decade.
I will definitely be somewhere between optimistically miserable and negatively euphoric after trade deadline day comes to a close. This team needs change, and change is coming.
I also think that the real prize is the upcoming drafts anyway with the Flames own picks. Flames might really be in on the next great one in 2026 if things don't work out - or even if they do, they should be in very good reach with a little lottery luck. This is all exciting.
I will definitely be somewhere between optimistically miserable and negatively euphoric after trade deadline day comes to a close.
I also think that the real prize is the upcoming drafts anyway with the Flames own picks. Flames might really be in on the next great one in 2026 if things don't work out - or even if they do, they should be in very good reach with a little lottery luck. This is all exciting.
as a Flames fan- love bolded part one- nice summary
as a Flames fan- re bolded part two- come on now...
Random thought.
I've been reading all the posts and I wonder if the delay in getting trades completed has to do with the entertainment portion of the NHL.
We've seen in past years that the actual trade deadline day have been lacklustre and TSN/Sportsnet spend an awful lot of money on that day and the shows.
It makes me wonder if the sports channels reached out to the NHL/Bettman and said, "Hey, can you hold off on trades until deadline day? It will make for better television"
I know its a conspiracy theory but it makes me wonder if some of bears some consideration.
