The Calgary Flames’ strong start to the season (9-6-3) may have slowed of late, but the team remains tied for third place in the Pacific Division with 21 points and is firmly in the playoff mix.
General manager Craig Conroy, however, isn’t standing idle as he recently revealed his plans in the trade market before the deadline.
Speaking to RG.org before the weekend, Conroy outlined his trade market priorities, with a specific focus on acquiring a right-shot center.
“You’re always looking to fill the holes or make trades, find guys—something you don’t have on your team, and maybe you don’t have in your pipeline,” Conroy told Jim Biringer of RG.org. “When I talk to teams, I had talked about a right-shot center, and a lot of teams are looking for a right-shot center.
“It’s not easy. Those are the things you know when you talk to teams.”
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With only a few true centers on the roster—Connor Zary, Nazem Kadri, Martin Pospisil, Kevin Rooney, and Mikael Backlund—Calgary is missing the depth and versatility previously provided by Elias Lindholm, now with the Boston Bruins.
To address this, Conroy revealed he’s willing to move a first-round pick if the Flames can acquire a center "under the age of 30," per Biringer.
"If the Flames can add a center who is a right shot and under the age of 30," Biringer wrote, "Conroy would be willing to move one of his first-round picks who fits his team's timeline and age."
Despite his openness to trade assets, however, Conroy emphasized his commitment to keeping defenseman Rasmus Andersson in Calgary and not include him in any trade package before the deadline.
"Rasmus is definitely a player I can see long-term for us," Conroy said. "And again, some of this decision is up to him. But I do know, talking to him, he really loves Calgary.
"He's homegrown, and he's playing great for us. He's super competitive and wants to win.
"He loves being a Calgary Flame. That's a good thing."
Related: NHL Analyst Advises Flames to Trade $11 Million Forward