Latest news with #Conroy&Co.
Edmonton Journal
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
With one deal done, what's next for Calgary Flames GM Craig Conroy to do?
Article content The unrestricted free agents On locker clean-out day at the Saddledome, Dan Vladar revealed that he's been talking contract with the Flames for months already, reiterating his desire to stick around as Wolf's backup. Will he put pen to paper soon, or will the 27-year-old Vladar be tempted to find out what sort of opportunity and loot he may be offered in unrestricted free agency? With Frederik Andersen staying for another season in Carolina, the goalie market is thin. Justin Kirkland and Joel Hanley have also expressed that they'd love to re-sign with the Flames. Kirkland, who was one of the NHL's feel-good fall stories before he suffered a season-ending ACL injury, should appeal as a guy who can provide some versatility in a bottom-six forward role and can snipe in the shootout. Hanley was an unsung hero on the blue-line but he is also 33, so Conroy may be better off shopping for a permanent partner for MacKenzie Weegar. Decision due on draft pick It's no secret the Flames are desperate for right-shot centres, but are they second-guessing Jaden Lipinski's potential as a pro? Perhaps they feel his progress has stalled since he was selected in the fourth round in 2023? Conroy & Co. have a few more weeks to determine if they will offer an entry-level contract to Lipinski or instead wish him all the best. If he isn't signed by June 1, he would re-enter the draft. Lipinski, who is listed at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, scored 17 goals and totalled 58 points in 59 outings as an overager this season with the Vancouver Giants. He was also one of the WHL's best faceoff men, winning 58.2 percent of his draws. But can he push his pace enough to be a future factor for the Wranglers and, eventually, the Flames?
Calgary Herald
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
With one deal done, what's next for Calgary Flames GM Craig Conroy to do?
Article content Article content The unrestricted free agents Article content On locker clean-out day at the Saddledome, Dan Vladar revealed that he's been talking contract with the Flames for months already, reiterating his desire to stick around as Wolf's backup. Will he put pen to paper soon, or will the 27-year-old Vladar be tempted to find out what sort of opportunity and loot he may be offered in unrestricted free agency? With Frederik Andersen staying for another season in Carolina, the goalie market is thin. Justin Kirkland and Joel Hanley have also expressed that they'd love to re-sign with the Flames. Kirkland, who was one of the NHL's feel-good fall stories before he suffered a season-ending ACL injury, should appeal as a guy who can provide some versatility in a bottom-six forward role and can snipe in the shootout. Hanley was an unsung hero on the blue-line but he is also 33, so Conroy may be better off shopping for a permanent partner for MacKenzie Weegar. Article content Article content It's no secret the Flames are desperate for right-shot centres, but are they second-guessing Jaden Lipinski's potential as a pro? Perhaps they feel his progress has stalled since he was selected in the fourth round in 2023? Conroy & Co. have a few more weeks to determine if they will offer an entry-level contract to Lipinski or instead wish him all the best. If he isn't signed by June 1, he would re-enter the draft. Lipinski, who is listed at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, scored 17 goals and totalled 58 points in 59 outings as an overager this season with the Vancouver Giants. He was also one of the WHL's best faceoff men, winning 58.2 percent of his draws. But can he push his pace enough to be a future factor for the Wranglers and, eventually, the Flames? Article content Article content Article content A contract for the coach? Article content This is last on our list because there's not a massive rush. Besides, Ryan Huska is currently overseas with Team Canada, so his contract status is probably the furthest thing from his mind. When Huska was promoted to head coach in June 2023, he signed a three-year agreement. That means there's still one season to go, but there's sometimes a worry that a bench boss on an expiring deal is stuck with 'lame duck' status. Conroy recently praised that his skipper 'has done an amazing job.' Is he ready to reward him with an extension or does he want to wait and see if Huska can guide this group to a playoff berth next spring?
