Just skimmed the entire 540 post thread on Hockey Futures after the trade went down with plenty of discussion from the Flames fans on Fox's refusal to sign with them.
No mention whatsoever of a desire on Fox's part to play in the northeast, even though, yes he's a Jericho, NY native for whatever that is worth.
Seems it was all about the perceived depth of their right-side defense (currently Brodie, Harmonic, Stone, with Kylington in the AHL) all considered ahead of Fox and with little need expressed for yet another PP "quarterback" on the third pairing and a low opinion of his skating speed and ability to play in his own end.
Fox's view of life in Calgary not discussed, but let's say that too might have been a factor.
Also some discussion that he has no interest in playing in the AHL and is looking for a pipeline straight to the NHL from the NCAA.
So, the right-shot depth issue is a valid concern in getting him signed at some point, perhaps after this current NCAA season ends, burning a year off his ELC.
Therefore, moving Faulk and being able to move TVR is a strategic component of landing Fox on the roster. Because unlike Calgary, we COULD use a third-pairing right-shot defenseman that we could run out on a PP unit due to Pesce being not that guy.
And, down the road, Fox could replace Hamilton on the second pairing once the remaining three seasons on Hamilton's contract has run its course.
So showing Fox that path exists here is kinda important. Plus, Raleigh's a lot closer to the northeast than Calgary if that is indeed a concern.