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Canada, AB • Canada •

Which Craig Conroy???

Posted 5:57 PM ET | Comments 14
Craig Conroy signing is actually very interesting on so many levels. The cap level, the number of roster spots level, his performance level. Very interesting. What isn't interesting is that it's Craig Conroy, a 4th line center, it's the ramifications that we all enjoy. I haven't heard if this is two way or not which would be really interesting to know.

Cap Level: This signing, league minimum, will put the Flames at roughly 4 million plus over the cap if you count Backlund on the roster. We are now out of Kotalik to the minors for relief range and rubbing up against the amount of space you're allowed over in the off season. By making this signing are the Flames saying, "hey we have a plan in place, don't worry about it."? Or are they making huge mistake after huge mistake? to clear the amount they need off the cap just to get within the rules is one thing but they also require room for injuries and call ups, literally 5-6 million in cuts before the season starts. Staios and Kotalik to the minors does help that space but it hurts the organization from a free agent stand point in how they treat their players and the owners do not love to play AHL players 3 million dollars. We have two months to find what out what the cap plan will be.

Roster Level: Hearing how young guys are going to compete for jobs this camp seems to be out the window, it's a little frustrating because I personally believe there's some players that need to get a chance soon and now that looks unlikely with Jokinen, Langkow, Stajan and now Conroy being the most experienced centers. Should Langkow not be able to start the season then Backlund will be on the team but guys like Stone, Sutter and Mcmillon may all be competing for the one spot left on the roster.

Performance: Last year was atrocious for Conroy, three goals, being called out by Theo Fleury for poor play and not even getting his steady plus numbers, he finished minus six. Having said that Conroy is one season removed from getting close to 50 points and being plus 20. So has age caught up to Conroy or can he regain the form he had fairly recently? If the Flames just signed a 50 point 4th line center then awesome if they just signed a 3 goal fossil then let a young guy in.

Just don't put him on the top line like they do EVERY season!!!

S>O>
Filed Under:   Flames   Conroy   Backlund  
August 11, 2010 5:59 PM ET | Delete
It is two way.... hmmmm
August 11, 2010 6:18 PM ET | Delete
According to Connie himself, he's going to be there to bring leadership, guts, mentorship and anything else that it will take in order for the Flames to win. It's 4th line or the A, and he'll happily do whatever is asked of him. 500K on a 2-way? I love it.
August 11, 2010 6:20 PM ET | Delete
And Fleury was looking at the wrong guy in terms of "who got the spot" when he was cut. Connie and Theo were battling for different positions on that team. The guy Theo should have been calling out was David Moss. He was supposed to be a scoring winger and was basically invisible for most of the season.
August 11, 2010 6:21 PM ET | Delete
I'm pretty sure Conroy would lay on a bed of hot coals happily. I think our centers are very deep now anyway.
August 11, 2010 6:57 PM ET | Delete
We only have 7 NHL calibre centers now... I can't wait to see how the cap space is created. Ideally I want Staios to be shipped out. We'll see what happens though.
August 11, 2010 7:26 PM ET | Delete
This is fine, he is just a depth player, will probably be scratched some nights, but offers veteran relief down the middle due to Langkow's void....seems like he will be an insurance signing...and that the math indicates Daymond being done this yr/Kotalik staying.
August 11, 2010 7:41 PM ET | Delete
I'm all for Conroy getting to a 1000 games, but for a team already so far above the cap to sign a 6th or 7th center man, who is 39 years old, who had 3 goals last year - is just baffling to me.
August 11, 2010 8:57 PM ET | Delete
August 11, 2010 8:57 PM ET | Delete
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August 11, 2010 8:57 PM ET | Delete
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August 11, 2010 9:00 PM ET | Delete
I think he's just insurance for inevitable injuries during the year. Start the tutoring for management, which he would be perfect. No problem with this.
August 11, 2010 11:18 PM ET | Delete
As a fan, I am excited to see Conroy back. He has been "the guy" over the past MANY years that you could count on to provide that spark and shift the momentum of a game. The fans and the rest of the team love him. I realise that it takes a spot of an eager young prospect, which sucks. Good and bad.
August 12, 2010 1:45 AM ET | Delete
Since when does a 4th liner get 50 points? This move is insurance for Langkow being on Long Term Injury. Good thing is that when Langkow gets back, Conroy can head to the minors.
August 12, 2010 10:58 AM ET | Delete
I read that Kronwall wants to go to europe or be traded to an Eastern Conference team so it is easier to vist and for family to visit him. If/When this trade occurs that makes Conroys contract a wash......
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