Jeremy Roenick, part of the 2024 Hockey Hall of Fame class, recently revealed just how close he came to joining the Calgary Flames during his storied NHL career.
As Roenick received his Honoured Member Ring, he spoke with TSN’s Chris Johnston and reflected on missed opportunities, including nearly signing with Calgary as a free agent in 2006.
Asked @Jeremy_Roenick if there was a NHL team he felt he should have played for, but didn’t get the chance: “There were a couple. In 2001 (free agency), I asked my agent to come to Toronto. And New York. And then I almost played for Calgary.” https://t.co/YpMUduNEA2
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) November 8, 2024
During a conversation about who he wanted to play for but didn’t with Johnston, Roenick shared, “There were a couple [teams]. In 2001 (free agency), I asked my agent to come to Toronto. And New York. And then I almost played for Calgary.”
At the time, the Flames were seriously interested in bringing the dynamic forward to Alberta, a move that could have reshaped their roster. However, Roenick ultimately chose to return to the Phoenix Coyotes, a decision that left Calgary fans wondering about what might have been. To this day, who knows how that addition might have changed the team.
Had Roenick signed with the Flames, it would have reunited him with former Blackhawks teammate Tony Amonte, adding firepower and experience to Calgary’s lineup. The club also had Jarome Iginla, Dion Phaneuf, and a handful of other players known for playing an in-your-face style.
The potential impact of his fierce competitiveness combined with that group would have made the Flames extremely annoying to play against. Not to mention, he would have added scoring to the team. Roenick didn’t drive the offense at that time like he used to, but he could frustrate teams.
On Monday, Roenick will be honored as the third Coyotes player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, recognized as an exceptional player and ambassador for the game.
