Flames AGM stirs city saying Gaudreau extension a ‘done deal’

Calgary Flames assistant general manager Craig Conroy has his city riled up again.

On Wednesday’s morning show on Sportsnet 960, the former fan favourite turned front office man made a bold statement on the future of Flames superstar Johnny Gaudreau.

“That’s a done deal. We’re going to get that done. We’ll get that done,” Conroy said with a laugh, clearly not knowing the levels of seriousness attached to his off-the-cuff statement.

“I don’t know when, I gotta talk to Lewis (Gaudreau’s agent Lewis Gross).”

Conroy played a big role in the Calgary Flames signing their small on size, big on talent fourth-round pick out of college.

The Potsdam, N.Y. product went east to get Gaudreau inked and over to the Flames to make his debut at the tail end of the 2013-14 season.

He flew both Gaudreau and his Boston College teammate Bill Arnold back west on a private jet after they inked their entry-level deals.

So there is some weight to Conroy’s words on getting an extension done.

Flames’ Conroy the Santa Claus of contracts

“You know what they call me – they call me Santa Claus giving contracts. You probably want me to do it,” Conroy laughed on the morning show. He shared that the franchise was a bit irked they offered incentive bonuses to Gaudreau via Conroy.

“Snowy (Chris Snow) and Tre (GM Brad Treliving) will be banging away at it I think.”

Keep in mind that Conroy is a positive guy who surely wants to believe the Calgary Flames will be able to secure their star player in the midst of a career season and on the verge of becoming an unrestricted free agent. But his hopeful comments may not be backed by confidence.

The 28-year-old Gaudreau has the biggest opportunity of his life in front of him. He has a chance to pick his team, and make the most salary possible. It would be quite a coup for Calgary to get his signature on paper before the end of the playoffs.

Gaudreau has earned the right to play out his final year and then decide if the Calgary Flames are his future, or past. And this year’s playoffs might be the ultimate tipping point. Fortunately, the Flames are looking pretty good right now.

One thing is for sure, he’s due for a raise from his six-year, $40.5-million contract.

Gaudreau is on pace for 107 points with 20 goals and 44 assists for 64 points in 49 games so far.