As expected, the Calgary Flames were quiet on the opening day of free-agency, with general manager Craig Conroy reiterating the team's commitment to a long-term plan centered on developing young talent rather than signing established veterans.
Flames GM Confirms Strategy
“We’ve had a plan the whole time, it’s still the same,” said Conroy. “If something made sense or there was an opportunity … but to be honest, we’ve got to stick to the plan so I told (the media) we wouldn’t be doing much going into free-agency.”
Wednesday was never going to be a day where the Flames got busy and started signing established veterans to long-term deals in an effort to improve in the standings next year. If those improvements happen, they’ll need to come from within.
Focus on Development Camp
What the Flames have right now is a wealth of young talent that is getting closer and closer to needing playing time. That was on full display Wednesday at Winsport, where the first day of their annual development camp was taking place. It’s those 18- and 19-year-olds who are going to be the key to unlocking the next period of contention for the Flames, not any of the guys who were available in free-agency.
Conroy is keeping contracts available for later in the season when the likes of Cole Reschny, Carson Carels and Cullen Potter are ready to make the jump to professional hockey. Signing new players who could stand in their way would have been counterproductive to the long-term goals of the club.
Key Departures
There were a few key departures on Wednesday, though. Ryan Lomberg’s second tenure with the organization is officially over; he signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets on a two-year deal that will pay him US$1.3-million annually. Depth centre Justin Kirkland’s spell in Calgary came to an end, too, as he signed a one-year, two-way deal that will pay him $850,000.
Beyond that, there just wasn’t much to report. Mace’o Phillips, whom the Flames drafted in the third round last year, will be joining the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers for next season, but that’s about it as far as big news goes.
Roster Competition
And while there might be a depth signing or two eventually, the reality is the Flames already have a relatively full roster as they begin the countdown to training camp in September. Conroy emphasized that the team does not need to move out veterans to make room for youth. “I don’t think we have to move guys out,” he said. “It will be a competition coming into camp but that’s why I think by not adding more bodies early today, it makes more sense. Make it a competition, let them come in and battle for spots.”
There will undoubtedly come a time in a few years where the Flames start dipping into free-agency to improve their roster. It just wasn’t Wednesday. That was always the plan, and Conroy stuck to it.
