The Calgary Flames made waves last week by signing college center and Calgary native Tyson Gross as a free agent. This move is part of a long-standing tradition where teams compete to sign top collegiate talent.
The Flames have a history of tapping into the NCAA pool for undrafted free agents, a practice dating back to Jay Feaster’s tenure with the team over a decade ago. The results have been mixed, but the strategy remains a staple for the Flames.
Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and look at some notable college signings by the Flames.
Under Craig Conroy’s Leadership
Before Gross, Craig Conroy brought in three key college free agents: center Sam Morton (March 2024), goalie Owen Say (March 2025), and center Carter King (April 2025). All three are still part of the Flames organization, with Morton making appearances in four NHL games over the past two seasons.
During Brad Treliving’s Era
Brad Treliving was quite active in the college free agency market, securing seven prominent free agents. Some, like defensemen Kenney Morrison (March 2015), Josh Healey (March 2017), and Colton Poolman (March 2020), primarily played in the AHL without making it to the NHL.
Others, including forwards Spencer Foo (July 2017), Connor Mackey (March 2020), and Walker Duehr (April 2021), managed to break into the NHL intermittently. Duehr stood out as a bubble NHL player with a notable impact before being claimed off waivers by San Jose. He’s currently with the Winnipeg Jets’ AHL affiliate.
The most successful story from Treliving’s signings is Garnet Hathaway. Initially brought in on an AHL deal under Brian Burke in March 2014, Hathaway secured an NHL deal in April 2015.
He became a regular with the Flames and later moved to the Washington Capitals as a free agent. Now with the Philadelphia Flyers, Hathaway has played over 600 NHL games.
Under Brian Burke’s Watch
Forward Bryce van Brabant, a Morinville native, joined the Flames briefly after signing in March 2014 but spent most of his time in the AHL.
During Jay Feaster’s Time
Forward David Eddy (March 2012) split his time between AHL Abbotsford and ECHL Alaska. Defenseman Brady Lamb (March 2012) also played exclusively with Abbotsford.
The Flames’ commitment to scouting and signing college talent continues to be a key part of their strategy, with each signing adding a new chapter to their ongoing story.