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Calgary Flames Name Craig Conroy General Manager

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May 23: Calgary has made the hire official, also adding Dave Nonis as the team’s senior vice president of hockey operations and assistant general manager. The team has also retitled the roles of Chris Snow and Brad Pascall, who were previously assistant general managers. Per Sportsnet’s Pat Steinberg, the team has given extensions to both Snow and Pascall while expanding their roles.

May 21: TSN’s Darren Dreger is reporting the Calgary Flames are expected to name Craig Conroy their next general manager, promoting him from the assistant role he’s held since 2014.

Conroy succeeds Brad Treliving, who the Flames mutually parted ways with last month after a disappointing season. Dreger notes that the team’s management overhaul, also accented by firing head coach Darryl Sutter, likely isn’t over. More hires are expected to be announced in Calgary’s front office later next week.

While Conroy may not have been the most experienced hire available for Calgary (he has no previous general managing experience), there are few who’ve been around the Flames organization longer than him. Not only has he spent the past 13 seasons in the Flames’ front office in some capacity, but he also played nine seasons in Calgary dating back to a 2001 trade deadline move.

It’s a straightforward choice for Calgary, who are looking to live up to the expectations they set for themselves after completely rehauling their roster last summer. Swapping Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk for Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar while also adding Nazem Kadri flamed out, with most of their additions having extremely disappointing seasons under Sutter.

The hope remains that some new blood in the front office and behind the bench, along with an organizational shift more willing to give opportunities to the team’s younger players, should pay short-term dividends and return the Flames to a consistent playoff status in the Pacific Division.

Conroy won’t have that busy of an offseason with just five free agents on the NHL roster (all unrestricted depth players), but many core pieces like Mikael Backlund, Noah Hanifin, Elias Lindholm, Tyler Toffoli, and Chris Tanev are expiring in 2024 and become eligible for extensions on July 1.

Earlier this week, Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reported that Dave Nonis, Stan Bowman, and Marc Bergevin were also being considered for the job alongside Conroy.

Calgary Flames Head Coaching Search Expected To Begin

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  • With their upper management set in stone, expect the Calgary Flames’ focus to immediately shift to hiring a new head coach, says TSN’s Darren Dreger. The Flames haven’t seen their name pop up in coaching rumors as much as other teams on the market, but their focus, up until last weekend, was restricted to naming their next general manager. Now that the hires of Craig Conroy and Dave Nonis are expected to be made official today, Calgary’s name will start coming up in connection to potential coaching candidates.

Evening Notes: Huska, Senators, Seitz

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Darren Haynes of The Canadian Press tweeted today that he wonders if new Calgary Flames GM Craig Conroy might consider current assistant coach Ryan Huska for the role of their new head coach. Huska has been coaching since 2002-03 and has spent the past five years in Calgary as an assistant. The 47-year-old Huska has been a head coach in the WHL and the AHL and has coached several members of the Flames current squad.

The Cranbrook, British Columbia native had an interesting career as a player having won three Memorial Cups with the Kamloops Blazers dynasty in 1992, 1994, and 1995. He was drafted in the third round by the Chicago Blackhawks in 1993 and five years later dressed in the only NHL game he would ever play, taking eight shifts for 5:51 in total ice time. Should Huska be named the head coach in Calgary he would become the 22nd head coach in Flames franchise history.

In other evening notes:

  • Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia is reporting that there has been a lot of moving parts in the Neko Sparks bid for ownership of the Ottawa Senators. Garrioch speculates that the group could be facing an imminent deadline as they have recently brought in more investors and have apparently been pushing hard the past 48 hours to find more investors to get involved. The group has brought on Canadians Arlene Dickerson and Robert Herjavec who are both wealthy investors as well as television personalities on the hit Canadian television series Dragon’s Den.
  • The Hockey News is reporting that the PHF continues to attract talent to the league as they’ve announced new signings today. The Metropolitan Riveters made a big splash as they have brought in Yale alumnus Emma Seitz. The New York native is the back-to-back ECAC Defender of the Year and was an All-American. The 23-year-old defenseman also put up offense in her time at Yale, posting 11 goals and 11 assists in 30 games this past season. Over the course of four years in the NCAA, Seitz put up 86 career points in 127 career games.

List Of NHL Prospects Attending 2023 Memorial Cup

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After the OHL’s Peterborough Petes and the QMJHL’s Québec Remparts took home their respective league championships yesterday, the field for the 2023 Memorial Cup is set. They’ll be joined by two WHL teams – the league champion Seattle Thunderbirds and the host team Kamloops Blazers – on their quest to capture the pinnacle of North American junior hockey.

Pitting best against best at the U21 level from across the continent, the tournament also gives NHL-drafted prospects an early taste of high-pressure hockey on a larger stage than regular junior play. If you’re looking to see your favorite team’s prospects have big performances at this tournament, which runs from May 26 to June 4, we’re providing a comprehensive list of NHL-affiliated prospects attending the tournament.

There will be a new champion this year after last year’s winner, the QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs, lost to the Gatineau Olympiques in five games in their first-round series in the QMJHL playoffs. Chicago and Dallas lead the way with three representatives at the tournament, while nine teams (Boston, Colorado, Detroit, Edmonton, Los Angeles, Ottawa, Pittsburgh, San Jose, and Tampa Bay) don’t have any prospects playing this year.

Anaheim Ducks

C Nathan Gaucher (Québec, 2022 22nd overall)
LD Olen Zellweger (Kamloops, 2021 34th overall)

Arizona Coyotes

RW Dylan Guenther (Seattle, 2021 9th overall)
LD Jérémy Langlois (Québec, 2022 94th overall)

Boston Bruins

none

Buffalo Sabres

RD Vsevolod Komarov (Québec, 2022 134th overall)

Calgary Flames

LW Lucas Ciona (Seattle, 2021 173rd overall)

Carolina Hurricanes

C Justin Robidas (Québec, 2021 147th overall)

Chicago Blackhawks

LD Kevin Korchinski (Seattle, 2022 7th overall)
LD Nolan Allan (Seattle, 2021 32nd overall)
C Colton Dach (Seattle, 2021 62nd overall)

Colorado Avalanche

none

Columbus Blue Jackets

LW James Malatesta (Québec, 2021 133rd overall)

Dallas Stars

C Logan Stankoven (Kamloops, 2021 47th overall)
RD Gavin White (Peterborough, 2022 115th overall)
RW Matthew Seminoff (Kamloops, 2022 179th overall)

Detroit Red Wings

none

Edmonton Oilers

none

Florida Panthers

LD Evan Nause (Québec, 2021 56th overall)

Los Angeles Kings

none

Minnesota Wild

C Caedan Bankier (Kamloops, 2021 86th overall)
RD Kyle Masters (Kamloops, 2021 118th overall)

Montreal Canadiens

C Owen Beck (Peterborough, 2022 33rd overall)
C Jared Davidson (Seattle, 2022 130th overall)

Nashville Predators

LW Reid Schaefer (Seattle, 2022 32nd overall)
RD Luke Prokop (Seattle, 2020 73rd overall)

New Jersey Devils

RW Chase Stillman (Peterborough, 2021 29th overall)

New York Islanders

LW Daylan Kuefler (Kamloops, 2022 174th overall)

New York Rangers

LW Brennan Othmann (Peterborough, 2021 16th overall)

Ottawa Senators

none

Philadelphia Flyers

LD Brian Zanetti (Peterborough, 2021 110th overall)
C Jon-Randall Avon (Peterborough, undrafted)

Pittsburgh Penguins

none

San Jose Sharks

none

Seattle Kraken

C Tucker Robertson (Peterborough, 2022 123rd overall)

St. Louis Blues

C Zachary Bolduc (Québec, 2021 17th overall)

Tampa Bay Lightning

none

Toronto Maple Leafs

C Fraser Minten (Kamloops, 2022 38th overall)

Vancouver Canucks

C Connor Lockhart (Peterborough, 2021 178th overall)

Vegas Golden Knights

C Jordan Gustafson (Seattle, 2022 79th overall)
RW Jakub Demek (Kamloops, 2021 128th overall)

Washington Capitals

C Ryan Hofer (Kamloops, 2022 181st overall)

Winnipeg Jets

C Brad Lambert (Seattle, 2022 30th overall)

Should Flames Shop Dan Vladar This Summer?

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Back in October, the Flames signed goaltender Daniel Vladar to a two-year contract extension, suggesting their intention for him to be part of the plans in goal for a little while longer.  However, Postmedia’s Wes Gilbertson wonders if the 25-year-old might be better off being a trade option for Calgary this summer.  With AHL MVP Dustin Wolf waiting in the wings while being on a contract that’s nearly $1.4MM cheaper, it’s possible that the Flames could be better served by moving Vladar and getting some much-needed cap space; they currently are pegged to have just $1.25MM in cap room this summer, per CapFriendly, with several roster spots needing to be filled.  Vladar posted a 2.87 GAA with a .894 SV% in 27 appearances this season and if he was to be made available, Calgary could have a few teams inquiring about his services.

Latest On Calgary GM & Coaching Search

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Although it is widely expected throughout the league that Craig Conroy will become the next General Manager of the Calgary Flames, Elliotte Friedman thinks there may be two other individuals that will join the Flames’ front office. Speaking during the second intermission of the Dallas Stars vs. Vegas Golden Knights game on Sportsnet, Friedman shares that there is an expectation that both Dave Nonis and Jarome Iginla will be holding executive positions in Calgary by early next week.

Nonis was notably one of the external candidates that the Flames interviewed in their search for a General Manager, and it appears that the team may have found a different position for him. Throughout his work in the front office at the NHL level, Nonis has spent time with the Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and most recently, the Anaheim Ducks.

In Vancouver, in a span from 1998-2008, Nonis held positions such as General Manager, Director of Hockey Operations, and the Vice President of Hockey Operations. After a very short stay in Anaheim working as an Advisor to the team during the 2008-09 season, Nonis would make the move to Toronto, working as the team’s Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations as well as General Manager, being replaced after the 2014-15 season by Lou Lamoriello and, later, Kyle Dubas.

Ever since his ouster by the Maple Leafs, Nonis immediately began working as a Scout and as a Consultant for the Ducks, before making the transition to become the team’s Assistant General Manager before the 2019-20 season, working in the same capacity since.

In Iginla, there is no introduction that would fully encompass what he meant to the city of Calgary. Beginning his career for the Flames during the 1996-97 NHL season, Iginla would go on to play 1219 games wearing the flaming “C”, and score over 1000 points for the Flames alone. Being the longest-serving captain in team history, Iginla would lead the team to the Stanley Cup Final during the 2004 NHL playoffs, as well as earn two Maurice Richard Trophies during his tenure in Calgary.

Since his retirement from the NHL after the 2016-17 season, Iginla has been coaching his son, Tij Iginla, for the Rink Hockey Academy Kelowna U18 program. Adamant on coaching his son full-time before his return to the NHL, Tij was recently selected ninth overall by the Seattle Thunderbirds in the WHL Prospects Draft.

As far as coaching updates, Friedman reports that Travis Green and Alex Tanguay are available options for Calgary moving forward. Travis Green was most recently the head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, having been fired midway through the 2021-22 season. Other than Vancouver, Green had spent time as head coach of the Utica Comets (Vancouver) in the AHL, and the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL.

Tanguay, who has never held a head coaching position in his career, would be a homecoming of sorts for the NHL veteran. Currently serving as the Assistant Coach of the Detroit Red Wings, Tanguay spent five years in Calgary during his NHL career (being on the same line as Iginla), scoring 284 points in 342 games. Whatever choice the team ultimately makes behind the bench for the upcoming season, Calgary will certainly have some interesting names to choose from.

Latest On Flames GM Search

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As the Toronto Maple Leafs have thoroughly stolen the headlines today, another Canadian team is looking to make some front-office news. Frank Seravalli of The Daily Faceoff reports that the Calgary Flames are close to hiring a new General Manager.

Yesterday evening, it was reported that Craig Conroy was considered to be a strong internal candidate to replace Brad Treliving as General Manager in Calgary, and Seravalli points out that he may be the odds-on favorite. Conroy has been a longtime favorite for the Flames, playing nine seasons for the team, and becoming the team captain shortly before Jarome Iginla took the mantle in 2003.

Since retiring in 2011, Conroy was immediately hired on as a Special Assistant to the General Manager and quickly became Assistant General Manager before the 2014-15 season. For seemingly being a part of the Flames organization all of his adult life, there is no question as to why Conroy is the favorite to become the new General Manager in Calgary.

Aside from Conroy, Seravalli also mentioned a list of external candidates that have had in-person interviews in the past week, including David Nonis, Stan Bowman, and Marc Bergevin. All three external candidates have considerable experience at the helm of the front office in the NHL.

Another interesting note Seravalli shared is that the Flames have changed their approach in regard to Treliving’s future. In previous reports, the Pittsburgh Penguins had previously been denied access to interview Treliving, per the terms of his past extension.

Now, Seravalli reports that Calgary will no longer prohibit Treliving from interviewing with interested parties. In light of the news coming from the Maple Leafs today, Treliving immediately comes to mind as a potential solution to the new vacuum created in Toronto.

Calgary Flames Linked To Craig Conroy For GM Role

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As Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli noted on Sportsnet 960 today, the Calgary Flames could be considering an organizational veteran to fill their vacant general manager role. Longtime assistant general manager and former team captain Craig Conroy could be in line for a promotion after the team parted ways with Brad Treliving last month.

I don’t know that there’s a front-runner. But if I were gambling and you gave me a list of names, and I do like to gamble, I would say my money would be on Craig Conroy.

With a history of strong leadership and a deep understanding of the Flames organization, Conroy emerges as a viable candidate to guide the team toward success. Having served as an assistant general manager since 2014 and a special assistant for four seasons prior, Conroy has demonstrated his commitment and dedication to the franchise, contributing significantly to player development, scouting, and day-to-day operations. His extensive experience, combined with his passion for the Flames, makes him an appealing choice for the top management position and would better position the Flames on draft day with a familiar face at the helm.

On the ice, Conroy played in 507 games with Calgary over parts of nine seasons, recording 97 goals, 211 assists, and 308 points, earning a Selke nomination in a career-best 2001-02 season.

With the firing of head coach Darryl Sutter reportedly influenced in part by exit interviews from players, it’s evident the Flames remain committed to making it work with their current core and will try to get the most out of what they have. Hiring an internal candidate would certainly align with that philosophy.

Seravalli also reported the Flames are nearing the end of their search, regardless if Conroy earns the seat or not, saying they want to have Treliving’s successor in place next week.

Latest On Pittsburgh Penguins Front Office Search

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The Pittsburgh Penguins are in for a busy offseason, replacing key front-office fixtures after missing the playoffs for the first time in almost two decades. In addition to yesterday’s reporting on the Pittsburgh Penguins’ intention to hire two separate people for the roles of general manager and president of hockey operations, The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun expanded in detail today on the current status of Pittsburgh’s search to fill their vacant roles.

LeBrun relayed previously corroborated reports from league sources that the Penguins have conducted initial Zoom interviews with potential candidates for the general manager role, with this number set at around a dozen. From this group, Pittsburgh has begun the process of narrowing down individuals for in-person second-round interviews for the job.

LeBrun has now confirmed seven individuals who were part of that complement of about 12. Among them is Los Angeles Kings senior advisor Marc Bergevin, Carolina Hurricanes assistant general manager Eric Tulsky, St. Louis Blues VP of hockey operations Peter Chiarelli, Buffalo Sabres associate general manager Jason Karmanos, and three members of the New Jersey Devils organization: senior vice president and assistant general manager Dan MacKinnon, assistant general manager Kate Madigan, and director of player development Meghan Duggan. There are two other likely candidates that LeBrun could not confirm, Tampa Bay Lightning assistant general manager Mathieu Darche and Seattle Kraken assistant general manager Jason Botterill, who previously held the same role with Pittsburgh.

Some candidates from the first round of interviews were informed today that they are no longer being considered for the positions, LeBrun said.

Also in line with previous reporting, LeBrun mentioned the Penguins expressed interest in including Brad Treliving, the former general manager of the Calgary Flames, in their first round of interviews. However, the Flames denied permission, given Treliving’s expiring contract with the team legally expires on June 30.

As for a president of hockey operations, LeBrun also linked the Penguins to former Arizona Coyotes general manager John Chayka. Chayka held his post with the Coyotes from May 2016 to July 2020, when he abruptly resigned before the start of the delayed Stanley Cup Playoffs. The NHL later suspended Chayka from working in the league for the entire 2021 calendar year after he pursued other league opportunities while still under contract with Arizona. It also later came to light that, under Chayka, the Coyotes had held an illegal private scouting combine for eligible draft prospects in direct violation of league rules, resulting in multiple pick forfeitures for Arizona.

Surprisingly, the reason for the uncertainty about Chayka’s potential involvement with the Penguins isn’t due to his concerning NHL history – rather, LeBrun reports Chayka could have additional NHL opportunities available to him outside of Pittsburgh.

Calgary Flames Connected To Marc Bergevin In GM Search

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The Calgary Flames’ GM search seems to be kicking into a higher gear, as some of the names the team could be interviewing to fill their vacant position continue to be reported. A new name that has emerged in the process is that of current Los Angeles Kings executive and former Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin. On the 32 Thoughts podcast, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said that he’s “heard Marc Bergevin’s name” connected to the search as the team has narrowed down its list of candidates.

Bergevin, 57, served as general manager of the Canadiens from 2012 to 2022.  During his tenure, Bergevin became a bit of a divisive figure in both Montreal market and across the NHL, with nearly every observer seeming to have a strong opinion on his work with the Canadiens. This could be due to the fact that Bergevin made quite a few bold, blockbuster trades, with some that paid off for his franchise (such as the controversial P.K. Subban for Shea Weber swap) and others that cost the team dearly. (Mikhail Sergachev for Jonathan Drouin) Now, a relatively short period removed from his departure from Montreal, it seems Bergevin could be in contention to earn another shot at being an NHL GM. Also worth noting is this news, combined with earlier reports that the Flames are looking to interview Maple Leafs executive Brandon Pridham, reveals that the organization is taking a wide-ranging approach to fielding candidates for their GM opening, as they are reportedly considering both candidates with extensive experience in the role and candidates without any experience as an NHL GM.

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