Calgary Flames GM Craig Conroy expresses confusion over expectations to sell players this season, believing he has already made significant roster changes.
Calgary Flames GM Craig Conroy says he's done with any "fire sales" his team is going to do.
According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, the Flames' GM is perplexed by the growing expectation that he will be a seller in this season’s trade market. While he might move a few pieces that are coming up to the end of their current contracts (as any team might do) Conroy believes he has already executed the necessary big-time trades he was going to make over the past 12 to 15 months. Significant roster changes are done. There's nothing else big coming.
In a recent episode of TSN Insider Trading, LeBrun discussed some of the key players rumored to be on the trading block, including Nazem Kadri, MacKenzie Weegar, and Blake Coleman. He noted that Conroy has reminded him that all have contracts that extend beyond this season. He sees them as part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Conroy is optimistic that these players are committed to contributing to the team’s ongoing transition and intends to keep them involved in shaping the Flames’ future. It tracks, considering each of them has either told the media to "pump the brakes" on trade talk or let reporters know they are interested in sticking around and seeing things through in Calgary.
LeBrun adds that rather than breaking up the core, Conroy sees these athletes as essential to the team’s competitive aspirations. And, with the team off to a 4-0 start, he might be right.
By prioritizing roster stability during a time of transition, Conroy aims to build a strong foundation moving forward, focusing on creating a cohesive roster rather than one where some of the biggest names are questioning their futures. Pursuing major trades is no longer in the cards for this team unless something drastic changes the narrative.