NHL Gossip Corner: Calgary Flames keep Craig Conroy
It would have been a shame if Calgary’s veteran Craig Conroy had to say goodbye to the NHL just 9 games short of his 1000th game. There are good indications now that it won’t happen after Conroy signed a one year two-way contract with the Flames. The deal is worth $500,000 which is the league minimum. For Conroy, it isn’t about the money but simply a chance to play another season in the NHL.
Even if a spot is not guaranteed to the veteran, he can still give it his all. Only Conroy knows what it must feel like trying to make a team that he was once the captain of. There is a very real possibility of getting bumped down to the AHL facing centre after a 14 season NHL career. Last season was disappointing for him after he managed to score just 3 goals in 63 games totalling a paltry 15 points. In the 2008/2009 season, he had 12 goals and 48 points. The flames didn’t make it to the playoffs in 2009/2010 season.
Conroy isn’t disheartened though even after a dismal performance. "It was a bad year, and I wanted to come back and have a chance to have a better year," he said. Craig expressed cautious optimism when the 38-year-old said that he had at least one more season left in him. “I know I have to come in and try and make the team,” Conroy said. He acknowledged that there were no guarantees for him in the two-way contract but retorted that he had been working hard all summer. “I feel like I can come in and help.”
General Manager Jay Feaster was not confident in Conroy’s ability to deliver. He said that it was a good thing from the Clubs perspective when players feel that they have more to give to the team but the club has to be cautious and protect itself. The two-way league minimum contract is as much protection as any team can ever get. Feaster added that the Flames would be happy if Conroy makes it to the team. “It’s certainly a salary we can afford.”
However Feaster clearly said that if that didn’t happen then Conroy would be put on waiver and sent to the minors. It wouldn’t be entirely wrong to look at this one-year deal as a courtesy extended to a veteran player. Conroy could still make the team and be useful though.
Forward Daymond Langkow is recovering from an injury. However Feaster explicitly put down rumours that Conroy’s signing had anything to do with Langkow. The Flames now have an inexpensive insurance policy if any of their forwards on one-way contracts are unable to make the team.
Now the fans have to be convinced that he can indeed help. Conroy might very well be the most recognizable of the Flames and without a doubt, has an extensive fan following. The veteran’s performance last year let down his fans and they would have to be won over again. They want Conroy to retire on a high note but more than that, they want to see the Flames win matches. If Conroy makes the team but fails to deliver, he would have tainted his legacy irreparably.
Conroy said that there were no other options for him except the Calgary Flames. He enjoyed everything about playing for Calgary - adding that he loves the city and the fans. His presence and experience would be a big help to the younger, less experienced players in the squad. Conroy said that he knew the locker-room and knew the guys. “I think I can help Olli and Tangs, take some of the pressure off those guys.”
When asked about approaching the 1000 games milestone, Conroy said that it was a big thing for him. “A sixth-round draft pick, I didn't think I'd make the NHL. It would mean a lot.”
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