Calgary Flames GM Craig Conroy seems to have no issues revealing what he would like to add to his roster.
Since taking over as GM in May 2023, Conroy has worked hard to help build what looks to be a very promising future for the Flames. The future of their blue line and goaltending appears to be very strong, though there is still one concern they have yet to address: the centre-ice position.
Despite having tons of exciting prospects, the Flames don’t have many high-end ones that play down the middle of the ice. Conroy has been open about trying to address that issue on several occasions, stating that he would like to get a young, right-hand shot centreman who fits into their retooling timeline. Last night, he reiterated that during an intermission chat with Sportsnet’s Ryan Leslie.
“Right from the beginning, we’re always trying to get better, always trying to add something that makes sense long term,” Conroy said. “It’s a little more difficult than just adding something for the short term. [A] right-shot centre, I’ve talked about it since the draft last year. It’s still a priority, just haven’t been able to find one.”
From the first intermission. Craig Conroy says he is in the market for a right shot center and that he “sees Rasmus Andersson as a Flame”
No surprises there.
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One name in particular that seems to fit the bill is Dylan Cozens. The Buffalo Sabres forward has been involved in plenty of trade speculation as of late, and is a name many teams would love to add.
Despite his struggles over the past two seasons, he is still just 23 years old and has sky-high potential. As a 21-year-old, he recorded 31 goals and 68 points in 81 games, proving just how much talent he has.
Conroy was also asked about Rasmus Andersson, a name some believed could be moved ahead of the deadline. It was recently reported, however, that the Flames have no interest in moving the 28-year-old defenceman, which Conroy confirmed.
“Rasmus is a huge part of the team,” Conroy said. “The one thing we’ve talked numerous times, him and I, he wants to be a Flame, he wants to be competitive. He’s still got [a year left]. We can’t do anything until July 1, but I see Rasmus as a Flame. I do.”
Andersson is currently on a team-friendly deal that carries a cap hit of just $4.55 million through 2025-26. He’s in line for a hefty raise on his next contract, which Conroy seems to be more than willing to pay.
Anything can happen in the NHL, but barring a trade offer that blows them away, it looks like Flames management is focused on keeping him around for the long term.
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