(CALGARY) The Calgary Flames announced Monday that general manager Brad Treliving has stepped down by mutual agreement after nine seasons in the role.

Don Maloney has been promoted to president of hockey operations and will assume the responsibilities of general manager on an interim basis.

The team said the search for a new chief executive began immediately.

“It’s hard to say goodbye to a quality colleague and friend,” Flames president John Bean said in a statement. We thank Brad for his contribution over the past nine years and wish him well for the future, both personally and professionally.

“For our fans and for our business, we have decided to move forward and we are confident that Don will find the right General Manager to carry on the foundation left by Brad and guide our team to the Stanley Cup. »

The Flames failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second time in three seasons, despite scoring 93 points.

They compiled a record of 324-238-58 during Treliving’s reign and made the playoffs five times, reaching the second round in 2015 and 2022.

Several players have disappointed this season, including forwards Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri, who were acquired by Treliving last summer.

Huberdeau settled for 55 points after setting a career-high 115 points in 2021-22 with the Florida Panthers. For his part, Kadri amassed 56 points after also smashing his personal mark with 87 points the previous season with the Colorado Avalanche. Kadri then helped the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup.

Meanwhile, Matthew Tkachuk, involved in the trade that brought Huberdeau and defenseman Mackenzie Weegar to the Flames, had more than 100 points in a second straight campaign, setting a career high with 109 points with the Panthers.

The Flames have invested a total of US$133 million over 15 contract seasons in Huberdeau and Kadri.

Goaltender Jacob Markstrom also signed a six-year, $36 million contract in 2020. After being a Vezina Trophy finalist in 2021-22, Markstrom has had his ups and downs this winter.

Treliving’s contract expired this summer.

The Flames have not made an announcement regarding the future of head coach Darryl Sutter, whose contract is still valid until the end of the 2023-24 season.