Former Forward Causing Trade Complications the Flames

The Calgary Flames are eager to improve their roster via trade, but general manager Craig Conroy faces an uphill battle due to the complicated conditions tied to the team's first-round draft picks.

As pointed out by Jim Biringer in a recent article, the complication has to do with Conroy's previous trades, particularly the 2022 trade that sent Sean Monahan to the Montreal Canadiens. That trade, which allowed the Flames to free up cap space and sign Nazem Kadri, came with strings attached that are now limiting Conroy’s trade options.

Conroy admitted, “It makes it tough because if we wanted to make a trade involving a first-round pick, I guess we could use the Devils' first-round pick." He added, "But... our pick and Florida’s pick in play with the Sean Monahan deal, it does make things a little more difficult right now, to be honest.”

The situation means the Flames likely have to wait to pull the trigger on most trades they might be discussing with other teams. It is unlikely the Flames will play well enough to be a top-10 hockey club and should they finish outside the top 10, the Canadiens will claim the better of Calgary’s or Florida’s first-round selections. This uncertainty complicates Conroy’s ability to use that pick seeing as the Canadiens might want it.

Conroy Is Still Testing the Trade Market

Despite these hurdles, Conroy remains focused on seeing what's available both as a buyer and a seller. There has been talk he wants to add a center, and new buzz surrounds Andrei Kuzmenko, who is having a slow start to the season and could be flipped ahead of the trade deadline.

Conroy wants to add younger talent that fits Calgary’s long-term goals rather than veteran players. “If there were a younger player we could grow with, that would make more sense to use a first-round pick,” he told Biringer.

For now, Conroy is playing a waiting game, hoping to get a better read on where his team will fall in the standings.