On Friday, the Calgary Flames announced some news. Well, not new to them, but new to everyone else, as they announced previously agreed-up extensions for four key members of their hockey operations apparatus – most prominently general manager Craig Conroy.

Prior to Friday’s game against the Florida Panthers, Conroy joined Pat Steinberg on Sportsnet 960’s Flames Talk pre-game coverage to discuss the news of the day.

“I’m just excited that it’s out, for my family and myself, to know that we’re going to be in Calgary,” said Conroy. “We’d be in Calgary even if this wasn’t here. And now to be a part of seeing this thing through. That’s the main thing for me. And to be able to actually know I’m going to be in the new building is extremely special to me also. It was a goal for me to play: that’s not happening, but definitely exciting to be a part of another couple years after this year.”

When Conroy spoke with Steinberg the Flames were wobbling between 31st and 32nd place overall, and following the win over Florida they had a 9-14-3 record. For a group that hoped to return to the Stanley Cup playoffs this spring, and now are far away from that goal, it’s disappointing. Conroy praised the team’s work ethic, but acknowledged the reality of the situation.

“Obviously it hasn’t been a great start to the year for us, and we understand where we are,” said Conroy. “We’re realists… I don’t think we expected to be here, but this is where we are.”

Different terms have been used to describe the Flames’ current mixing of veterans with younger players – Sportsnet’s Eric Francis has called it the “hybrid rebuild,” while others have used the term “retool” – and that definitely seems to remain the Flames’ mindset. Speaking with Steinberg, Conroy reiterated his commitment to the plan he laid out when he was hired back in May 2023 for the team to give younger players opportunities to play.

“Nothing’s changed,” said Conroy. “I know sometimes people think because we don’t actually just tell everybody what’s going on, maybe there’s something else happening. But the plan has always been, we had to do it probably two ways: we’re gonna have to build through the draft and trades.”

Near the end of their chat, Steinberg asked about the potential to move veteran players. Conroy indicated that they’re always trying to make their team better in the long term.

“When you start these things it’s hard to turn it as quickly as everybody would like,” said Conroy, of the team’s current revamping process. “And that’s what we’re trying to do, we’re trying to build something here, the last two and a half years let’s say, and now I get to continue to follow through. And it takes some of these young guys a little bit longer to be ready for the NHL, but they’re coming.”

Conroy cited, among others, Matvei Gridin, Zayne Parekh, Sam Honzek, Yan Kuznetsov, William Strömgren, Aydar Suniev, Hunter Brzustewicz and the 2025 draft class as those he’s excited about. (He also subsequently name-dropped Ethan Wyttenbach; we don’t think his list was meant to be exhaustive.)

“It’s just an exciting time,” said Conroy. “But it just does take a little bit more time than maybe most people would like.”

Head over to Sportsnet 960’s Flames Talk page to catch Steinberg’s entire chat with Conroy.

The Flames return to action on Sunday afternoon when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes.

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