Agent’s Proposal for Giordano’s Comeback and Management Role Falls Flat with Flames
Mark Giordano’s agent proposed a return to Calgary, envisioning a future management position, but the Flames swiftly rejected the idea.
The Calgary Flames were one of four teams that discussed the possibility of bringing Mark Giordano back this season, but unlike the others, GM Craig Conroy apparently dismissed the proposal.
During an appearance on Sportsnet 960 The Fan with Pat Steinberg and Eric Francis, Winter shared his vision of Giordano returning to the Flames, mentoring younger players, and eventually transitioning into a management role. However, it appears that Conroy was not interested in this concept.
According to Winter:
“My pitch to them was ‘Look, I really think the Calgary Flames started to fall apart when Brad Treliving refused to protect his captain.'”
He was talking about the Flames’ decision to leave Giordano unprotected in the NHL Expansion Draft, which led to the Seattle Kraken selecting him for a season.
Winter emphasized that losing Giordano to the Kraken was a major setback, noting that the team’s dynamic shifted after his departure. He remarked, “No one seemed to have the same focus as they did when Gio was around.”
Winter believes Giordano still has the ability to play and can provide valuable leadership and mentorship at a time when the Flames could really benefit from it.
Winter attempted to promote the idea of Giordano returning to mentor younger players and eventually moving into a management role. By that point, he would have developed relationships with the players and a deep understanding of their abilities. Furthermore, it could present a perfect chance to bring together former captains Conroy, Jarome Iginla, and Giordano.
He expressed, “That’s exciting, and I think it would reflect positively on Calgary.” However, he also mentioned, “We didn’t push it hard, and it seemed like Craig Conroy wasn’t very interested in it.”
It’s unclear why Conroy appears to be opposed to the notion of Giordano returning, or if he’s dismissed the possibility of collaborating with the former Flames defenseman post-retirement. For now, it seems a return to Calgary is unlikely.
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