Conroy wants to keep his job, not lose it by making a far worse trade than even Bonehead Brad ever did.

This massive trade returns Boston into major contenders for the Stanley Cup acquiring Hanifin, Weegar, RNH, Elias Lindholm, Kadri and Markstrom as retool to the post Bergeron and Krecji era. Lindholm centering Marchand and Pasternak returns Boston to having one of the best top lines in the league. A defensive crop of Hanifin, Weegar to bolster McAvoy and Carlo in the backend while put Swayman as the starter ensures Boston to contend for awhile.

Edmonton got out of the Nurse contract and receives Huberdeau, Zacha, Grzelcyk and Ulmark fixes problems such as secondary scoring and most of all stabilize the goal position. By making Calgary absorb 15% of Huberdeau's contract the price is a 1st Round pick. That's better than trading Halloway, Broberg or any of their prospects from their depleted pool.

Calgary in the meantime brought themselves in the mess due to desperation. This is acceptance that they will rebuild accordingly, to guide the rebuild will include Jake DeBrusk, Darnell Nurse, Charlie Coyle, Hamphus Lindholm and Warren Foegele. The fact that they receive a first rounder from Edmonton and a second rounder from Boston albiet 2026 is good enough price.

It also makes it impossible to retain half the good players acquired by offloading those crappy contracts onto Boston. What’s the point of acquiring Lindholm and Hanifin if you take albatrosses that prevent you from keeping them