Flames officially hire Jarome Iginla!

"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," said Conroy in a prepared statement. "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."

"Our relationship goes back 20 years and includes being opponents and teammates combined with a long-standing friendship," continued Conroy. "While our views on the game are similar, we often challenged each other on systems and playing style, always pushing each other to be better. I look forward to our team benefiting from his fierce competitiveness, career experiences and love of hockey."

The Flames announced that Iginla's position with the Flames will be in an advisory role regarding all areas of hockey operations. He'll report directly to Conroy. For the 2023-24 season, Iginla will continue his coaching responsibilities with RINK Hockey Academy in Kelowna, BC where his son Joe Iginla.

"I am grateful to the Flames ownership and Conny for this opportunity to transition my career back to the NHL," said Iginla. "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."

Iginla, obviously, is a franchise icon in Calgary. He was the 18th captain in Flames franchise history after receiving the honour in 2003 when then-captain, Conroy, passed the captaincy over to him. Iginla amassed 525 goals, 570 assists, and 1,095 points in 1,219 games as a member of the Flames while establishing himself as one of the best power forwards of his generation. Iginla reached the 30-goal mark 11 times - four of those surpassing 40 goals and twice reaching 50 while wearing the flaming 'C'.

"While the public focus of my contributions is on my playing career, I believe my hockey experiences since my retirement will also benefit the organization," continued Iginla. "Conny and I have 20-year-old pending work to complete, and I can't wait to get started."