Flames' GM Craig Conroy Asks Players to Be Patient Amid Rumors of Rebuild Exits

Not prepared to go all-in too quickly, Craig Conroy's rebuild plan for the Calgary Flames focuses on development while keeping key veterans to stay competitive.

In the latest 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman looked at the Calgary Flames' current direction under general manager Craig Conroy. Cautious not to disrespect the losses of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, Friedman talked hockey business and emphasized that Conroy has a clear plan in place for the team’s future.

In the throes of a rebuild, Conroy is taking a measured approach. Rather than a full teardown or a going scorched earth, he’s focused on keeping a balance between veterans and younger players to ensure that the team remains competitive. The idea is to surround his younger prospects with savvy leaders and put those early NHLers in a position where they succeed. Icing a team where their emerging talent gets creamed every night isn't Conroy's idea of helpful. He doesn't want them to experience only losing. 

As such, he's hoping his veterans see his vision. 

Friedman said there is speculation that some of the core might want out if the rebuild becomes too extensive. However, Conroy has asked them to remain open-minded and to see how the season unfolds before making any major decisions. 

For now, the players are buying in. Friedman noted, "And especially I think now, everybody’s just like okay, there’s bigger things, more important things, we don’t need any different noise."

Some roster moves seem inevitable, particularly with players like Andrei Kuzmenko and Anthony Mantha on expiring contracts. Still, the Flames are not in a rush to make changes. That includes fulfilling any requests that might come his way for a trade. 

Conroy is going to slowly work his way through a rebuild and take his time with the moves to clear out players who aren't up for it, including pending UFAs. 

For now, that means it's not likely the Flames make much noise. In a few months, things might look very different.