With the Young Stars rookie tournament in Penticton this weekend and Calgary Flames training camp just days later, we’ve opened the mailbag to your queries for September.
Among them, how is Flames GM Craig Conroy doing as he enters his second full season in charge? And what’s an NHL comparable for prospect Zayne Parekh?
Note: Submitted questions may be edited for clarity and style.
How’s Craig Conroy doing as GM? — James B.
I think he’s off to a decent start for the Flames’ rebuild. His roster management has provided opportunities for young players like Dustin Wolf, Connor Zary and Martin Pospisil while remaining patient with other guys like Jakob Pelletier and Matthew Coronato. Conroy cleared away expiring contracts for future assets last season and now has cap space he can weaponize in future trades. The front office also did well in drafting more offensive-minded prospects this summer in Vegas.
But as I’ve said before, the Flames still need more quality in their prospect pool. Zayne Parekh is the best prospect in the system and he looks like a blue chipper. Wolf will get his opportunity to be the goaltender of the future this season. But beyond that, the Flames need more high-grade talent up front, especially at centre. He’s said before that he’d like to add talent between the ages of 18 and 23 that he can keep for the long haul. That’s on Conroy to get.
For now, it’s on Conroy to sell hope. But that will take time. In the meantime, he’s on the right track.
How much will Martin Frk and Kevin Bahl feature this season? I almost forgot about them. — Stuart H.
I expect Frk will spend the bulk of the season in the minors. He’ll be leaned on for his professional experience to help the younger players along. I anticipate Ryan Lomberg to start the season as the team’s fourth-line right winger. Walker Duehr is still in the fold and he could always fill in. Adam Klapka got a sniff of the NHL last season and the Flames would probably love to see him back with the big club when the time is right. In other words, there are a few players ahead of Frk on the depth chart.
Kevin Bahl, on the other hand, should be an NHL regular. It’s only a matter of where to put him. When I did a roster projection a few days ago, I had him on the left side of Rasmus Andersson on the second pairing. He could be a third-pair guy on the left side, too.
Zayne Parekh was the Flames’ first pick at the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas. (Stephen R. Sylvanie / USA Today)
Should we expect Zayne Parekh to be something like a Miro Heiskanen? Or more like a Quinn Hughes? — Joe S.
I think he’s closer to Hughes than Heiskanen and that’s based on his size, skating and offensive ability. Parekh’s edgework, stickhandling and maneuverability around the offensive zone are also very reminiscent of Hughes. Also, when we asked Parekh in June about players he modelled his game after, Hughes came up. Parekh’s actual NHL comparison, however, seems to be closer to Erik Karlsson — no doubt because of that offensive upside.
This isn’t a slight on Heiskanen, though, a well-rounded defenceman who is brilliant in transition and offensive situations. The Parekh comparable just looks closer to the two most recent Norris Trophy winners.
Have you actually met Jon Abbott? One of the best things about the broadcast was the relationship Kelly Hrudey and Rick Ball had so they could be so casual on the air together. Do you think Jon will be able to build a similar rapport? — Nathan F.
I haven’t met Jon, but I enjoyed our conversation last month. He comes across as a genuine guy who flashes passion in his calls. Maybe this is just me, but I also think some of his vocal intonations are similar to his predecessor Rick Ball.
GO DEEPER
Jon Abbott named new Flames play-by-play voice
Here’s something that I hope people can understand regarding broadcasting and chemistry. Sometimes you have chemistry right away with a partner, whether because of familiarity or just fostering a natural connection. But it takes time to achieve synergy in the booth with your partner. How are they when they’re asked to provide analysis? Do they crack jokes or do they play it straight and stoic? Greg Millen and Kelly Hrudey are knowledgeable hockey guys (who just so happen to be goalies) but both men are different in how they conduct themselves in the booth. I’m sure Abbott will be fine with either broadcaster, though.
What kind of market do you sense forming around Andrei Kuzmenko and Rasmus Andersson if they decide to continue selling? Who do you see as realistic trade partners and what kind of ballpark package is realistic (assuming Kuzmenko continues his strong play at the end of last season)? — Stefan L.
We’ve answered the Andersson question quite a bit these last few months, so I’ll refer you to our previous mailbags. In short, the Flames needn’t be in a rush to deal away with Andersson unless they get a deal that makes sense (think high draft pick and prospect as a start). He won’t be an unrestricted free agent until 2026.
As for Kuzmenko? He seems like a prime trade deadline candidate to me. It’s a bit difficult to project which teams before the season begins. But if you’re a team in need of an offensive, skillful player who can play in the top six, Kuzmenko could fit the bill. But he’s never going to be a solid defender and I can see teams being scared off by that ahead of a playoff run.
I could see the Flames fetching either a decent prospect or a draft pick and a lesser prospect for Kuzmenko once the time comes. But, of course, that potential return is performance-based.
(Top photo of Craig Conroy: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)
