Flames place veteran Conroy on waivers

CALGARY – Craig Conroy’s playing days with the Calgary Flames and possibly in the National Hockey League may be at an end.

The popular 39-year-old centre was placed on waivers early Tuesday, meaning other NHL teams have until Wednesday morning to put in a claim for his services. If not, it would appear he has two options: Report to the American Hockey League’s Abbotsford Heat or call it a career.

Flames management and coach Brent Sutter would only acknowledge that Conroy was on waivers, reserving comment until the end of the waiver period. The team, Conroy and close pal Jarome Iginla will speak on the matter Wednesday morning.

"Connie’s a great guy, a great teammate . . . one of the best," said veteran defenceman Cory Sarich following Tuesday morning’s practice. "He’s awesome in the community, he’s awesome in the dressing room and there’s been nothing but smiles the whole time here and it’s been a tough time for him not being in the lineup.

"Whatever happens, I hope things work out the way he wants them to. It’s just a great guy missing out of our dressing room today."

Conroy resigned with the Flames this past summer when, as a free agent, he agreed to a one-year, two-way contract at league minimum salary of $500,000 US. He celebrated his 1,000th game Oct. 28 against Colorado but has only dressed for 18 games and only once (Dec. 20 against Minnesota) in the last 28.

But he always practised hard and remained upbeat. He has always been considered a leader, not only by his teammates but the community where he has devoted considerable time to charity work and assorted promotions.

"It’s disheartening as a teammate," said dressing room neighbour Brendan Morrison. "He’s won some major awards, meant a lot to this organization not only on the ice but off the ice. I just don’t know what else to say but it’s tough to see.

"He’s come to the rink every day this year and worked hard, done what the team has asked of him. I can tell you as a teammate he’s one of the best a guy can have so hopefully things work out for him."

Conroy first came to the Flames when the St. Louis Blues dealt him and a draft pick to Calgary during the 2000 campaign for Cory Stillman. He immediately hooked up with Iginla and the two had instant chemistry, Conroy scoring a career-high 27 goals and 75 points during the 2001-02 campaign when he also was named co-captain.

After serving as captain during the 2002-03 campaign, he turned the `C’ over to Iginla the following year.

He reluctantly left the Flames as a free agent after the Stanley Cup run of 2004 to sign a four-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings but was traded back to the Flames 52 games into the 2006-07 season for Jamie Lundmark and two draft picks.

If this is indeed the end of the road for the six-foot-two native of Potsdam, New York, originally drafted by Montreal in the sixth round of 1990, he’ll finish up with 1,009 games played, 182 goals (three 20-goal plus seasons) and 360 assists. Two of those goals were scored this season, the last one on Oct. 24 against San Jose.

Calgary Herald