Iginla joins Flames' front office as special adviser to Conroy

Calgary Flames legend Jarome Iginla is joining the club's front office as a special adviser to new general manager Craig Conroy, the team announced Thursday.

"Dating as far back as our playing days with the Flames, Jarome and I have always talked about one day working together in the NHL," Conroy said. "That day has finally come and I'm happy to welcome him back to Calgary. Jarome provides a creative approach and smart hockey mind to our team blended with a passion for the game, and a desire to win the Stanley Cup."

Iginla and Conroy were Flames teammates from 2001-04, then again from 2007-11 after the latter's brief stint with the Los Angeles Kings. The pair played key roles in helping Calgary reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2004, where they fell short against the Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games.

"I am grateful to the Flames ownership and (Conroy) for this opportunity to transition my career back to the NHL," Iginla said. "It's a very well-earned acknowledgment for Conny as general manager and I am looking forward to supporting him and the team in a more engaged capacity."

The Hockey Hall of Famer will advise Conroy in all aspects of hockey operations, but will keep his coaching responsibilities with RINK Hockey Academy in Kelowna, British Columbia, next season. Iginla's son Tij, a 2024 NHL draft prospect, was traded to the WHL's Kelowna Rockets earlier in June.

Iginla is the Flames' all-time leader in games played (1,209), goals (525), and points (1,095). Calgary retired his No. 12 in 2019, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in the class of 2020.

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