Calgary Flames

Insider Believes Flames’ Have Right Vision and Long-Term Future

Calgary Flames are doing better than expected this season. Does GM Craig Conroy have the right vision and future planned?

by
Old Prof
January 14, 2025

In a recent interview, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman was interviewed on the FAN Hockey Show. The topic? The Calgary Flames and general manager Craig Conroy are having unexpected success this season and the vision for the team might have changed. The team’s future looks surprisingly brighter than anyone could have imagined before the season began. Why is that the case?

Friedman shared his thoughts about why the team has experienced such success this season. He shared what he believed were impressive performances from both veteran and young players. However, he also thought Conroy had challenges ahead as he tried to shape his team and organization into a long-term contender.

Playing with “House Money” This Season

As per Friedman the Flames are currently “playing with house money”, given their unexpectedly strong start. While the team was hopeful for a good run, general manager Conroy is taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture. He’s cautious about how things have gone behind closed doors, but there’s no denying that the Flames have really outdone themselves on the ice. They’ve also learned a lot about their players along the way.

Craig Conroy, the Flames general manager

At the start of the season, there were questions about how the team would perform. But the Flames have shown everyone they can handle challenges and play a solid, team-focused game. The whole “house money” idea means that their current success feels like a pleasant surprise. However, the real goal is to keep building for the future and ensure they can keep this momentum going.

Credit to Veteran Flames Leadership

According to Friedman, one of the standout stories of the season is the role of Jonathan Huberdeau. After a tough beginning in Calgary, Huberdeau is back and better than ever this year. He’s showing the kind of leadership and professionalism fans expect from an experienced player.

According to Friedman, Huberdeau’s hard work has been a big reason for the team’s recent success. His ability to bounce back and turn his game around is impressive. Huberdeau is playing great hockey this season and, by doing so, leading his team.

Other veterans have also stepped up and demonstrated what being a professional in the NHL means. Their experience has been crucial to the Flames’ ability to stay competitive and lay the groundwork for younger players to thrive.

Emerging Stars Like Coronado and Kerins

Friedman also mentioned the positive development of young players like Matt Coronato. Watching Coronato’s performance on Saturday night against the Los Angeles Kings, Friedman was struck by how different the player looked compared to earlier in the season. This wasn’t just a one-game fluke. Coronato is starting to look like a legitimate NHL player, and Friedman believes he will play an important role moving forward.

Additionally, Rory Kerins is another player who is showing promise. While Kerins might not have the same offensive upside as Coronato, Friedman notes his all-around game and the role he’s carving out for himself. Both players represent the Flames’ future and suggest the organization has successfully invested in its younger core.

The Long-Term Vision: Conroy’s Crucial Decisions

Looking ahead, Friedman acknowledges that Conroy, the Flames’ General Manager, will face some difficult decisions regarding the roster. Conroy has a big job ahead as the team starts to play better. He needs to think about not just today’s success but also where the team is headed in the long run. Important players like Rasmus Andersson are crucial to what makes the team special. However, Friedman reminds everyone that keeping the bigger picture in focus is essential. In short, while the wins are exciting, planning for the future is just as important.

The Flames’ fans are excited, and the atmosphere in the building has been much livelier than expected. However, the true test for Conroy and the Flames will be whether they can maintain this momentum while continuing to build for long-term success.

The Road Ahead for the Conroy and the Flames

While the Flames are undoubtedly enjoying an unexpected and exciting season, the real challenge will come when decisions about roster moves and future strategies need to be made. There’s great news coming from the Flames camp. Friedman believes the team is getting better with every game. Conroy’s vision for the future is shaping how the team will grow, and that’s something to be excited about!

Looking ahead, it’s clear that the mix of seasoned players and rising stars means we really can’t predict how the Flames and Conroy will change in the next few seasons. But one thing’s for sure—Calgary has surprising potential, and its journey toward success is moving more quickly than anticipated.