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Brad Treliving named Flames’ new GM

The former assistant general manager to Don Maloney is the Flames' new GM.

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After spending seven years as an AGM for the Phoenix Coyotes, Brad Treliving is now the Flames‘ new GM.

Treliving takes over for Brian Burke, who was the team's acting general manager after he fired Jay Feaster back in December. Burke will remain the President of Hockey Operations.

After asking Phoenix permission to speak with Treliving, the Coyotes granted the Flames a 10-day window. Treliving was the only candidate interviewed, and was hired quickly.

When conducting his search for a new GM, Burke was apparently looking for a younger guy, and everywhere he turned, Treliving's name popped up: from the mouths of other GMs to scouting trips when he found out Treliving had been there the week before.

This is a great move by the club, as it's time to try to find new blood. Forget the rumours and suggestions of Joe Nieuwendyk, George McPhee, or even Dave Poulin. All have well-documented resumes, and previously-established philosophies. This is Treliving's first GM job, and it'll be great to see what he can do; and, from all accounts around the league, he's more than earned the opportunity.

Our friends at Five for Howling offered us some perspective:

Treliving's work with a small budget came up in his introductory press conference, and he acknowledged that smart spending will be a necessity. His monetary sense played a role in his hiring.

When asked about the use of advanced statistics such as corsi, Treliving shifted his answer, saying, "We'll be leading the league in digging for information." His belief is that all avenues of information will help, as everything will come together to form a bigger picture; but, continuing to actually watch players is paramount. It may have been a generic answer, but it was a great generic answer, and one that's absolutely correct. Especially considering the resources the Flames have at their disposal, Treliving should be able to collect as much information on players as he desires.

He also acknowledged that it is now necessary to build through the draft. Treliving will have full autonomy for this year's draft, in which the Flames have five picks in the first three rounds, including the fourth overall pick. The Flames will be picking the best player available, and will not be drafting based on position.

Treliving was with the Coyotes when they selected Kyle Turris third overall in 2007, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson sixth overall in 2009.

As for the Flames' current prospects:

He also singled out Sean Monahan as a valuable player he is excited about going forward. Furthermore, he loves Mark Giordano and his leadership, and was impressed with Karri Ramo’s development over the course of the season.

Furthermore, he was impressed with the Flames this past season.

Treliving will be keeping Bob Hartley on as head coach. While impressed with the team's effort and compete level, he also noted that the team is still picking fourth overall, and there is still a lot of work to do.

Like Burke, Treliving stressed the need to get bigger, saying that it's a heavy game – especially out west – and one needs a heavy team in order to compete.

Treliving wants to compete as soon as possible, but without mortgaging the future. Proper player development and drafting is a high priority for him.

All signs point to Brad Treliving being a fantastic hire. He seems like a really smart, genuine guy who is ready for his first general manager job. He talked about how excited he was to come to Calgary – he's from Penticton, so not too far away – and how he knows expectations will be high, and he is ready to meet them.

When asked what he was most proud of accomplishing in Phoenix, Treliving said he's a big believer in collaboration and chemistry. To win, you have to have good people, and Treliving was most proud of bringing in some of those people, and leaving the Phoenix Coyotes a better hockey club than they were when he first got there.

Hopefully, he'll do the same for the Flames.

by Ari Yanover