Ottawa needs cap space to sign Pinto so Flames take better and more costly D (Brannstrom over Oesterle) and exchange wingers to get Flames a streaky scorer while Ottgets more reliable Dube

Oesterle is an underrated, if not misunderstood, asset. He is generally good enough in every aspect of the game (barring consistent offence) that he is one of those "I didn't notice much so his game was perfect" kind of guys. And he is cheap, and good enough for his role. Brannstrom is unnecessary, currently (given his cap hit and his role) .. and I actually like Dube more than Kubalik. Dube is younger and, as you say, more reliable? Not sure myself. But Certainly I'd rather keep him than the UFA Kubalik.

Calgary needs cap space too and has no interest in downgrading at two positions to players that make more money.

Brannstrom is a bust. He only played NHL minutes with Ottawa because they didn't have anyone better. In most teams' systems he'd be in the AHL.

However Conroy could be talked into doing Dube for Pinto.

I like the Dube for Pinto idea alot.

Agree the trade does not make sense for the Flames but Brannstrom is not a bust. Not what everyone was hjoping for but a quality third pair dman who can PK and play 2PP in a pinch.