Flames Outline Offseason Strategy to Obtain One Thing They Need

The Calgary Flames are still in the midst of a rebuild, which will likely rule them out of the free-agent market this summer. According to recent comments by Flames general manager Craig Conroy, the organization has a different plan to get what they need — more offensive production.

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“We need more scoring. Obviously, our leading scorer had 45 points this year in Coronato, so you’re looking for more scoring. That’s easier said than done. When I look back now, kind of where we’re at, you know, even seeing Charlie Coyle sign today, six years, $6 million, I see another guy… free agency’s really not going to be a thing for us in the next few years.”

Conroy went on to say that everyone’s got room and everyone’s going to sign their own guys, so you know, on that side, we’re really going to have to draft and develop.

One of the ways he believes the Flames can get the scoring help they need is via trade. He suggested the organization will look for guys that maybe aren’t fitting in with their team; younger guys, that it’s just not working. “Are there trades that we can make, because we’re probably going to have to do this through trades, and really, the draft is kind of the two ways cuz free agency just doesn’t seem like many guys are going to be available.”

He said it looked like a great year in September, but as we go, the list is getting smaller and smaller.

Will The Flames Be Any Good Next Season?

Unless blockbuster deals or sneaky wins via trade are made available and taken advantage of by Conroy and the Flames, don’t expect this Calgary team to be terribly competitive. They understand this process might take time.

Jonathan Huberdeau said in his end-of-season availability, “I feel like we can be in a playoff spot.” That’s wishful thinking.

Next: Canadian Daily Rumours: Flames, Maple Leafs, Canucks & Trade?