Treliving knows this team needs an elite top line centre. And he knows the only way to get one is through the draft. So he intentionally acquired and signed a pile of losers, I mean, former Oilers, all so the Flames could narrowly miss the playoffs. Why? Because the fix is in. The Flames are going to win the lottery and draft Byfield.
The evidence is undeniable. Willfully trading for Lucic. A "mysterious" injury to Valimaki when no one was looking. Repeated attempts to trade the team's second best defenceman in Brodie. Tank Commander Ward ensuring a general lack of cohesion and chemistry while burying a future star in Kylington. All the team's veterans coincidentally having off years at the same time. The demoralizing updates on the numerous "attempts" to re-sign Hamonic serving as unfortunate but necessary reminders of the greater good. And of course now the captain gets injured oh so conveniently before the deadline, justifying a selloff.
Oh yes, it's all coming together nicely.