Craig Conroy's journey in professional hockey began when he was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the sixth round, 123rd overall, in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft. Before making his NHL debut, Conroy honed his skills at Clarkson University, where he played college hockey and developed into a reliable center. His time at Clarkson was marked by consistent performance, which helped him transition to the professional level.
Conroy's NHL career officially started with the Canadiens during the 1994-1995 season. Although his time in Montreal was brief, it provided him with valuable experience and exposure to the league. In 1996, he was traded to the St. Louis Blues, where he began to establish himself as a dependable two-way forward. During his tenure with the Blues, Conroy's defensive capabilities and faceoff proficiency became more pronounced, earning him a reputation as a solid checking-line center.
The turning point in Conroy's career came in 2001 when he was traded to the Calgary Flames. It was with the Flames that he found a more prominent role, often centering the top line alongside star winger Jarome Iginla. This partnership proved fruitful, as Conroy's playmaking abilities complemented Iginla's scoring prowess. The 2001-2002 season was particularly noteworthy for Conroy, as he achieved career highs in goals, assists, and points, finishing the season with 27 goals and 48 assists for a total of 75 points.
Conroy's leadership qualities were recognized during his time in Calgary, and he was named an alternate captain. His influence extended beyond the ice, as he became a respected figure in the locker room. In 2004, Conroy played a crucial role in the Flames' unexpected run to the Stanley Cup Finals. Although the Flames ultimately fell to the Tampa Bay Lightning in a hard-fought seven-game series, Conroy's performance throughout the playoffs was commendable.
Following the 2003-2004 season, Conroy signed with the Los Angeles Kings as a free agent. His stint with the Kings lasted two and a half seasons, during which he continued to be a reliable presence on the ice. However, in 2007, Conroy returned to Calgary via a trade, reuniting with the Flames and once again taking on a leadership role within the team.
Conroy's second tenure with the Flames saw him transition into more of a mentoring role, as he provided guidance to younger players while still contributing on the ice. He remained with the Flames until his retirement in 2011, concluding a career that spanned over 1,000 NHL games. Throughout his career, Conroy was known for his defensive acumen, faceoff skills, and ability to elevate the play of his teammates.
After retiring as a player, Conroy continued his association with the Flames organization, moving into a management role.
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