Blackhawks had chance to get Pronger in 2006

Fascinating story from Hockey Night in Canada's Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet 960's Boomer and Pinder Monday morning.

The conversation was on the topic of Calgary Flames GM Brad Treliving, looking ahead for the team.

"I think what you're going to see is he's going to take a long-term view of this team. He knows there will be pressure to get better next year, but I don't think he's going to be trading away the future for three more wins next season.

"I think he's going to be patient. I think he's going to look to build through drafting and developing. I don't think he's going to make that quick strike.

"When we were talking, you know, Marc Bergevin once told me a story that when he was in Chicago, they had a chance to get Chris Pronger when Edmonton was trading him. And they really thought about it and decided not to do it. And the reason they decided not to do it was because they didn't feel they were one player away. They thought they were quite a few players away.

"And when they look back on it, and he couldn't remember which one it was, but one of the picks they would have had to give up was the pick that turned into either Patrick Kane or Jonathan Toews. Now think about that. They didn't pull on that deal. Could you imagine if they get Chris Pronger and they don't have one of those two guys? Would they be as good? I don't know.

"So when I told him that story he said that's exactly the same way I feel. So I think you're going to see a GM, who while the team is building, tries to hit singles. And when the Flames feel they're close, that's when he's going to step up with the Babe Ruth Black Betsy and go for the grand slam."

Source: Boomer & Pinder, Sportsnet 960