It seems early to start reflecting on the work of a general manager who’s just a few months into their second year on the job. Since GMs only last an average of 5 years, Conroy could be nearly halfway through his tenure if things don’t go well. In his first 13 months as general manager Conroy has drastically reshaped the Flames team. It is primarily through trade, but he has also made some key signings. Excluding signing draft picks to entry-level contracts, let’s take a look at some of his best work so far.
Craig Conroy‘s Best Signings
#1 Yegor Sharangovich
5 years – $5,750,000 AAV
Sharangovich went on to have a career year during the 2023-24 season. He scored 31 goals and 51 points in his first season with the Calgary Flames. At just 25 years of age, Sharangovich is moving into his prime. With a Flames roster undergoing changes, he will have plenty of ice time to continue to be a key contributor. If he can build off this past season and become a consistent goal scorer for the Flames this contract could be a steal. Even if Sharangovich doesn’t continue to improve this contract isn’t a backbreaking deal for the franchise. In a few seasons, if Sharangovich is being pushed down the depth charts, this number isn’t that bad for a third-liner and it’s one that will be tradable.
#2 Mikael Backlund
2 years – $4,500,000 AAV
Backlund had requested a trade out of Calgary prior to Conroy taking over as GM. However, Conroy was able to convince Backlund to stay. At the time there was a list of six pending UFAs in Calgary, who all played significant minutes for the team. Conroy would end up trading all of them but Backlund. This was a great decision as Backlund wouldn’t have brought back the significant return the Flames received for Elias Lindholm or even Tyler Toffoli. Instead, they brought back one of the best defensive centres in hockey and a true professional. As a team looking to get younger, you still need to have veterans on your roster to help young players. Backlund is the perfect fit for this role as he has been a great professional and is approaching his 1,000th NHL game played. Having a veteran like Backlund locked up also means they could potentially move out additional veterans, like Nazem Kadri.
#3 Martin Pospisil
2 years – $1,000,000 AAV
Alongside fellow rookie Conor Zary, Pospisil provided a great deal of Flames fans excitement in a season that didn’t see much. He proved to be an effective NHL player during his first season. He is the ultimate agitator and plays right on the edge, occasionally crossing over it. Pospisil sets himself apart by playing a physical game and going to the dirty areas. Most importantly, when Pospisil is in the lineup the Flames are just better. With him in the lineup the Flames posted a 34-25-4 record, without him, they were just 4-14-1. Having a player as impactful as this locked up for just $1 million per season feels like a steal. There is some risk in signing Pospisil, mainly his availability. He was dealt with some significant injuries, and because of his playing style runs the risk of suspension. Overall Pospisil is a player Flames fans will be looking forward to seeing on the ice, and one they love to cheer for.
Honourable Mention – Anthony Mantha
1 year – $3,500,000
This could be one of Conroy’s best signings. Low risk, high reward. If Mantha can put up solid numbers with the Calgary Flames he could be flipped at the deadline for future assets and prospects. If Mantha doesn’t contribute the way Conroy hopes, he’ll be off the books by next offseason.
Overall Conroy has done a great job of signing shorter-term contracts that will allow for flexibility. This means that when some of the Flames top young prospects are ready for the NHL it will be easy to create space on the roster. He has shown a commitment to the rebuild in Calgary and Flames fans should be all in on Conroy’s vision.
Main Photo: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
