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Flames GM Reveals Trade Plans: 'Willing to Move Picks'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Nov 13, 2024 6:30 AM ET

Calgary Flames GM Craig Conroy is focused on bolstering the team’s future by targeting younger players in the trade market, even if it means moving valuable draft picks.

Conroy shared his vision and short-term plans with Jim Biringer of RG.com on Tuesday, revealing he’s open to parting with some picks as long as they bring in youthful talent that aligns with Calgary’s long-term goals.

"If there were a younger player we could grow with, that would make more sense to use a first-round pick (in a trade)," Conroy told Biringer. "I wouldn't trade for a 31- or 32-year-old, but I'd be willing to move picks for a younger player, for sure."

Conroy's comments are of particular interest because of the situation and complications with Calgary's current draft assets, as they are linked to other teams and depend on conditions set in past trades.

Two of the team’s first-round picks are currently tied up in the 2022 trade that sent Sean Monahan to the Montreal Canadiens, limiting the Flames’ options.

While Calgary technically holds three conditional first-round picks, Conroy explained the constraints this situation creates, and why that uncertainty might lead him to trade the picks.

“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,” Conroy said about knowing the true value of his own team's pick. “But, with the Florida first-round pick and our pick in play with the Sean Monahan deal, it does make things a little more difficult right now, to be honest.”

Conroy acknowledged that he’ll need more clarity about the status of these picks before making any significant moves so he doesn't deal a prime asset in a trade he might end up regretting.

“As the season goes on, we’ll have a better understanding of how it’s all going to play out,” he added. “Then we’ll be able to work within those parameters a bit better.”

Despite these challenges and no matter what Calgary ends up doing, Conroy made clear his approach for the short-term future: sell, not buy.

The GM's statements point toward the franchise leaning on rebuilding rather than retooling or applying touches to the team now, instead focusing on the future.

Calgary has had a relatively nice start to the season, however, considering they are fourth in the Pacific division tied for third in points (19) and boasting an 8-6-3 record through 17 games played.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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