Conroy acknowledged the difficulty of moving Coleman, a fan favorite, but highlighted the team's shift toward giving opportunities to younger players.
"It was a tough phone call with Blake," said Conroy. "I mean, he's an amazing person, and he's just an amazing guy.
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But with where we are, with where the team's going, with trying to find opportunity for other younger guys that are here, now those younger guys have got to show us that they're players, and that they can take those minutes."
The physical defenceman welcomed the move to Calgary, noting his familiarity with western Canada and his growing family.
"I don't like watching my teammates and brothers get pushed around," confirmed Middleton. "So that's hopefully something I can bring to the table as well."
Middleton expressed enthusiasm for the infrastructure developments and the city environment in Calgary.
"I have a new, young family, I'm from Canada, and I truly think it's a beautiful city," said Middleton.
"The way the organization is headed, with the new arena, that convention centre, the sunshine 300 days a year, it was all appealing, and we figured if we were to get traded, that would be a place we would like to raise a family."
Middleton previously partnered with Brock Faber in Minnesota and looks forward to working with Calgary's young core.
"I played with Faber for about a year-and-a-half - he's just an exceptional human being, turned into a great player," said Middleton.
"And Calgary has that ability with the young guys in Calgary right now."
The veteran blue-liner looks forward to integrating with his new teammates and fan base immediately.
"I'm excited about it," said Middleton. "I'm happy it worked out this way."
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By retaining half of Coleman's remaining salary and including Maatta in the transaction, Calgary cleared $2.5 million in salary cap space for the current season.
