cross16

that was the PR spin yes. Behind the scenes j don’t think that is what happened.

Gallant also has a long history with Huberdeau. Should interview him for that insight alone. but I agree that the veteran options don’t make sense.

Even when BT was still here and Conroy was reporting to him he was honest that there are certain aspect of the job Treliving kept to himself, mostly trade negotiations. He would always consult with the group but the actual conversation with the club/GM, Treliving wanted to have those himself. Conroy noted that wasn't the case with Burke and Feaster who were comfortable to have group conversations or a conference call. I don't think Conroy has presented, in fact he has flat out side it's fine, this as a negative just presenting this as a way he differs from Treliving and plans to do things differently.

I did not get that sense nor do I believe that is how BT operated. Conroy was open that there are certain aspects of the job that Treliving did himself(and he plans to be different) but not that he was a lone wolf. I don't get the sense Treliving was driving this ship alone. I think most of the shade Conroy has been throwing has been directed at the coach, which is not a surprise given what has been coming out since the season ended. This. I would walk them to UFA and if they are stil productive/good fits then sign them shorter term. I just don't like the idea of locking them into term right now. Backlund is going to be tricky though because word is building that he really wants to be the captain so you may be faced with either extending him or moving him now.

Much like Treliving before him, Conroy re states the desire to add a top 6 forward. Also throws some shade at the coach last year. Says he didn't like how top players moved around and also wants them to play more

I don't agree. I thought Tkachuk was good in the playoffs last year, as was Gaudreau. He's just got more help, namely in Barkov, but I don't see a drastically different player. but for sure Bob is the primary reason they are where they are right now.

Conroy said it himself already but Lindholm is the #1 for sure. You have to know where he is at and it's a steep decline down to number 2 for me. If Lindholm wants to leave I think the Flames need to pivot on their plan for the next 2-3 years. Lindholm is going to be worth the Horvat deal at minimum. So your looking at 8 X 8.5, maybe 9. Not a good contract and likely going to be a mistake at the end but if the mandate it to win now you have to do that deal. Hanifin for me depends on Kylington. If Kylington is all in then i'm trading Hanifin. I think his deal is going to be too pricey for my liking and I think it's a good opportunity to get some assets back and change up the D core. Flames need to prioritize getting some D men who are harder to play against. for the rest of the UFAs: I'd like Tanev and Backs walk to UFA. I think they are important to the fabric of this team but neither are worth extentions at this time. If that means you lose 1 or both as UFAs i'm fine with that. Toffoli - I think you need to extend Toffoli pending the contract of course. Z - I'd push hard to move Z myself.

Florida looks great because they had got the chance to acquire a Hart Trophy candidate via trade. Those opportunities don't, and shouldn't, really happen. Rebuilds take patience but they also take a whole lot of luck too. Florida got extremely lucky with Tkachuk and without him I don't think there is a chance they are where they are right now.

Oh i'm still concerned about those. I'm still not of the belief the environment here will allow Conroy to do all these things he is saying, just like it wasn't for the last 3 GMs, but i'll always err on the side of optimism. I still think Conroy can be a good GM and I think his attitude can do a lot of win over fans. I just hope we are patient and understanding if/when we see things happen that are more about the environment and less about him.

Hard not to smile after that press conference. I agree that things are in good hands because their management group, which was already pretty smart, is mostly intact and I think Conroy's personality is a big positive. The biggest takeaway for me is I think the Flames, including Conroy, fully understand that their reputation has taken a hit over the last few years and one of their top priorities is to fix that. I liked that they all had answers acknowledging this, not hiding from it, and some ideas on how to fix it. I think between his personality, and the fact he was a player himself, can go along way in helping to repair that image.

on the coach: - Have to be a team. Work collaboratively - Good communicator. Spoke about how you can't just tell players "do this" anymore, they want to know the why. - Have fun. Said how he always had fun coming to the rink and wants the same atmosphere here. Thinks if you have this, you'll win more games. First press conferences are usually positive but Conroy is saying ALL the things you want to hear right now.

Press conference tidbits so far: - Called this a "dream job" - On Iginla. Was open they have talked but nothing firm at this point. - Was asked about if he thought a rebuild was on the table: Didn't answer directly. Said they have 7 UFAs and you "cannot" go into the season with that many UFAs. Said they need to change but in his mind change starts with more younger players. Was pretty passionate about they need more youth in their lineup - How are you different than Brad: mentioned young players. Said his plan is to leave space on this roster for young players to step into.

Confirmation that both Chris Snow and Brad Pascall to stay.

The problem with the "old boys" club in Edmonton was promoting/hiring people that weren't really qualified. MacTavish went from AHL head coach to GM in 2 seasons. Kicking Kevin Lowe upstairs despite sub par results? That's not really happening here.

I am too. In the more modern NHL I don't think i've ever seen an employee last through that many GM changes. I actually think he's pretty good at his job so I get it, it's just extremely rare. Excluding interim titles, this would be the 5th GM he's worked for. That feels like it's crazy...

Press conference at noon today. Expectation is Conroy as GM, Nonis in a senior management role. See if we get anything else

This is good news. Early word over the weekend was that Pascall was going to be staying as well. We’ll see on that one

how much of it was Brunette and how much of it was him just keeping the machine going? That be my concern, he stepped into a machine that was already rolling in the right direction. I’m not saying he isn’t a good coach just that I think there are reasons to question it. the Anaheim job is quite a bit better than the Flames. I think the reality of the situation is the flames are not likely to ever be at the top of a top candidates list so prying him out of a good situation I just don’t see happening.

I’m fine with Brunette as a candidate but I find it odd that there is concern about Loves experience but 75 games makes Brunette a slam dunk hire? I’d be as equally concerned hiring Brunette as I would Love. I’ll be personally be surprised if you see Brunette as a candidate. Think he’s got a good thing going in Jersey.

im not sure I’m ready to say never. But definitely not ready to say yes now and definitely not interested in him being involved with my favorite team. the nhl handled all of this so poorly that I have no faith in whatever process they would take to allow him back in

Not in the way you present it. Bowman recalled that, after learning of the incident, Quenneville shook his head and said that it was hard for the team to get to where they were, and they could not deal with this issue now. that is directly from the investigative report the league had published. flamess should not be interested.

on Conroy or Nonis? the official announcement on Conroy won’t come until Tuesday but it’s been confirmed by many close to the situation Don’t think we’re jumping the gun. Nonis, maybe.

I get, and like personally, the idea of getting a more seasoned executive when you have a rookie GM. While I don’t think he was a good GM, I do think Nonis is a quality hockey executive. He’s well respected, especially at the NHL offices and it sounds like they consulted with the he likes of Bettman and Campbell. I’ve also never personally believed Maloneys promotion to POHO is a long term thing. Wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t stick around long after this.

Was the obvious choice IMO once Treliving left. Sure would have preferred Tulsky but I doubt he would have said yes to an interview I think Conroy is qualified and while I can’t say whether he’ll be good or now what I think is exciting is his passion. He loves the flames, the city and the fans and I’ll think he’ll do whatever he can to help them win. I also have a fair bit of optimism he’ll make a pretty good GM.

im not sure I see him as an nhl coach. Don’t think he’d want the grind that comes with it