Calgary Flames sign Craig Conroy
The Calgary Flames have announced that they have signed veteran forward Craig Conroy to a one-year contract. This will be the 38-year-old’s ninth season with the club, and fifth straight campaign in Calgary after being reacquired from the Los Angeles Kings during the 2006-07 season.
Conroy was drafted 123rd by the Montreal Canadiens in the sixth round of the 1990 National Hockey League entry draft.
Conroy spent two years with Montreal before being moved to the St. Louis Blues. Conroy was successful with the Blues establishing himself as a defensive forward, and remaining with the franchise for five years, before heading to the Flames for his first campaign with the club. Conroy spent four seasons with the Flames being named team captain, before finally relinquishing it to Jarome Iginla, and being traded to the Kings. Conroy only spent two years in Los Angeles before coming back to Calgary.
Over the past four seasons with Calgary Conroy has filled the role of the team’s third-line centre, focused on playing defensive hockey and shutting down the opponent’s top line.
Conroy can be expected to be joined by David Moss and Curtis Glencross on the Flames’ third line next season.
Conroy should continue to bring his veteran presence to the Flames locker-room while contributing on ice with his responsible style of play.
General manager Darryl Sutter no longer expects Conroy to produce 40-50 points every season, and has likely re-signed the veteran as a plug until he can find a youngster to fill the role next season.
For Conroy this is liable to be his final season, as the centre is no longer capable of contributing at the same level he did early in his career.
Last season with the Flames Conroy notched three goals and 12 assists for 15 points in 63 games.
Tags: