Hurt Feelings: Why Flames Ownership May Be Blocking Treliving's Trade Attempts

When Brad Treliving left the Calgary Flames, it wasn't a typical termination. Instead, following a dispute with ownership over the team's plan and approach, Treliving resigned from his position. Reports at the time indicated that Treliving supported firing then-Head Coach Darryl Sutter, but ownership opposed the cost associated with such a move.

The Rumors: Rasmus Andersson and the Grudge

Since leaving Calgary for Toronto, Treliving has reportedly attempted to acquire his former players on multiple occasions. Those deals, however, have never come to fruition, forcing him to opt for alternative moves.

Once again, rumors have surfaced that the Maple Leafs are interested in acquiring Flames defender Rasmus Andersson. This week, Elliotte Friedman revealed why that would be a difficult task for the Leafs. The obstacle isn't Toronto's lack of assets, but rather "hurt feelings"—not from replacement General Manager Craig Conroy, but from team ownership.

While it's understandable that there could be residual feelings in a situation like this, it's hard to believe a professional owner would hold a grudge for over two seasons. This is especially true when that grudge could negatively impact their own franchise, but that appears to be the case.

A Blessing in Disguise for the Maple Leafs?

For the Maple Leafs, this alleged roadblock could be a blessing in disguise. Treliving hasn't excelled in the trade market since arriving in Toronto, so an increased acquisition cost—a "grudge tax"—could ultimately be saving him from himself. Most reports have linked the Leafs to aging players like Nazem Kadri or Andersson, who has effectively become a right-handed Morgan Rielly.

Buyer Beware: Coaching Remains the Real Hurdle

In the current NHL economy, the Leafs are closer to being sellers than they should be buyers, but something tells us that's not the approach the team is likely to take.

Personally, I wouldn't be shocked to see the team make a move just for the sake of making one. It would be a move that signals to the players that the coach isn't going anywhere, despite the fact that coaching is the team's major hurdle.

For the Leafs' sake and the sake of the team's future, hopefully Treliving is well aware of the ‘Buyer Beware’ sign hanging overhead.