Calgary Flames GM Craig Conroy weighing all options heading into NHL Draft

The Flames have seven picks in this year's NHL Draft, and that includes two selections in the first round. But the GM has more than that to think about.

This year’s NHL draft will look a lot different than it has in previous years.

In the past, every team would jam into a venue and have full representation to make their picks.

At this year’s draft, only legend Lanny McDonald and new assistant general manager Peter Hanlon will be there to make the Flames’ picks.

The rest of the staff, including general manager Craig Conroy, will do their work in Calgary at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

“It’s going to be interesting,” said Conroy.

“I want to see how it all works out; it’s the first time for something new. It was such a great time at the Sphere (in Las Vegas) last year, so it’s a little different, but we’ll see how it goes these next two days.”

In all, the Flames have seven picks at this year’s draft, including two in the first round.

They’ll select 18th and 32nd overall in round 1 on Friday night.

The Flames have an obvious need at centre, but Conroy says that doesn’t mean they’ll select a middle man.

“Obviously, you’re always looking to add the best player,” he said.

“If that player was a centre, that would be great, but if we get to 18 and we have a player that’s 10 on our list and that player is a defenceman, we’re not going to take a position to take a position. We’re going to take the best player.”

Conroy says he’s always open to moving up in the draft, and this year it appears some teams may be willing to part with higher picks.

The Flames GM isn’t sure what will shake down on draft day.

“Nobody has a clear cut on who’s going to be there at their pick. So as we get closer to the picks, would you be willing to move? So we’ll do that, but it’s going to come on draft night,” he said.

The draft isn’t the only business Conroy has to take care of.

Reports indicate defenceman Rasmus Andersson is ready to move on from the organization.

But Conroy says he has to be patient so the Flames get the maximum return for the 28-year-old Swede.

“Ras has another year left on his contract, and I talked to him this morning, and we’re all good,” said Conroy.

“If he’s a Calgary Flame in September, he’s a Calgary Flame. There’s nothing I would say is going to happen or not going to happen.”

Conroy says the Flames did offer goaltender Dan Vladar a contract, but it appears he wants to go elsewhere to have a chance to start.

It also looks like forwards Kevin Rooney and Anthony Mantha are headed to free agency, which will take place on Canada Day.