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Calgary Flames

Conroy The Right GM Call For Flames Future

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Calgary Flames fan favourite Craig Conroy is about to add a new title to his lengthy career with the franchise.

Insiders are projecting an announcement early next week that Conroy has officially been promoted to general manager from his role as Assistant GM — the early favourite per this site since the beginning.

It’s the right move for a Calgary Flames franchise in a transitionary period that will redefine its brand nearly as dramatically as its initial move from Atlanta to the Rocky Mountains.

A bit dramatic? Perhaps. But Calgary has an opportunity for a big re-boot with the hiring of an immensely popular former player who already has a great relationship with the current prospects, an eye for those yet to be drafted, and a naturally infectious positive energy that might be the ingredient needed to help the current mix of players live up to their potential.

All this after one of the most disappointing and arguably toxic seasons in recent memory. Maybe ever.

Things got bad enough that agents were calling the team’s “negativity” out on social media, players were divided on their feelings about since-fired head coach Darryl Sutter, and Brad Treliving turned down multiple contract extensions to avoid returning as the Flames GM after nearly a decade in the role.

Barring a last-minute change of heart from above, Conroy will get the nod from President of Hockey Ops Don Maloney to fill out his staff — starting with a replacement for Sutter behind the bench.

Other additions could be made as well to surround Conroy with some experience. Dave Nonis was interviewed by the Flames and Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggested the former Toronto Maple Leafs GM could be added in an advisory role next week as well.

One thing is certain: with Conroy in charge, optimism and hope should return to a Calgary Flames team that sorely needs some.