Report: Craig Conroy to be named GM of the Calgary Flames

Jan 21, 2009; Calgary, AB, Canada; Calgary Flames center Craig Conroy (24) looks on against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Pengrowth Saddledome. The Flames beat the Blue Jackets 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2009; Calgary, AB, Canada; Calgary Flames center Craig Conroy (24) looks on against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Pengrowth Saddledome. The Flames beat the Blue Jackets 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

A familiar face to Flames fans is now expected to be calling the shots for the team, as Craig Conroy is expected to be named the new general manager of the Calgary Flames. This comes after a tweet from TSN’s Darren Dreger, mentioning that the Flames would name Conroy as their next GM alongside expecting other additions.

Conroy has been a part of the organization’s front office since 2011, after retiring from his lengthy NHL career. Conroy spent three seasons as a special assistant to then General Manager Jay Feaster and then in 2014, he was promoted to the position of assistant general manager after the hiring of Brad Treliving. Conroy has been instrumental in several facets of the team for the last 12 years and has left his fingerprints all over the organization.

Special Assistant to the General Manager Craig Conroy and General Manager Jay Feaster share a conversation during day one of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft at Xcel Energy Center on June 24, 2011 in St Paul, Minnesota.
Special Assistant to the General Manager Craig Conroy and General Manager Jay Feaster share a conversation during day one of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft at Xcel Energy Center on June 24, 2011 in St Paul, Minnesota. /

Conroy replaces Brad Treliving in the general manager role after nine years of Treliving at the helm. Treliving and the Flames mutually parted ways at the end of this season after a nearly decade-long run with the organization.

Conroy spent parts of nine seasons in Calgary as a player, registering 308 points (97 Goals and 211 Assists) in 507 games played. He also had seven goals and 15 assists over 45 career playoff games in Calgary, highlighted by a run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2004. Conroy became a beloved figure as a member of the team and has remained synonymous throughout the years.

/

This also all but opens up a door for all-time Flames great Jarome Iginla to potentially join the team in some capacity. Iginla and Conroy were teammates for the nine years Conroy spent as a player in Calgary, and still remain great friends. Curious to see what role Iginla would get if he joins the team, although it will most likely be in the front office.

All-in-all a great promotion for Conroy who has paid his dues to get to this level. Looking forward to what Conroy can do, now that he is at the helm of the team.