If you were their GM and you knew, as you say, "without a doubt" you would be out of the playoffs, and that you would lose your 1st round pick between 11 and 16 heading into a rebuild, would you not jump start the rebuild to ensure you a) don't stay in no man's land, and b) don't lose that 1st?
The Shsrks and Blackhawks have proven, if you want to finish at the bottom, you can make moves to make that happen. But yes, we'll see this summer if Flames management make that happen. It will be very interesting to follow their moves. They've already shipped out Hanafin, Tanev, Zadorov, Lindholm, and Toffoli (though they got a good player in return).