Don Maloney: New role with Flames touches all areas of hockey operations

Don Maloney is taking on a bigger role with the Calgary Flames.

A year after joining the club as a pro scout, Maloney has been promoted to vice president of hockey operations, the club announced Aug. 3. He'll now work even closer with general manager Brad Treliving, who served as Maloney's assistant for seven of the nine years he spent as GM of the Arizona Coyotes.

NHL clubs are increasingly adopting this team effort mentality with respect to the front office, and Maloney believes it takes a village to raise up a winner in today's game.

"The role of the manager is so big now," Maloney said, per George Johnson of the team's website. "Now it's really a collective effort. I have experience in pretty much every area of management so hopefully I can chip in here and there. This new position is really touching on all areas of hockey operations."

Maloney admits the Flames aren't blazing any new trails by loading up with front-office experience, but it can't hurt, provided everyone is on the same page.

"It's about having a common mindset about what you have to do to be successful," he said. "We're not unique in that. I mean, it's all around the league. There are a lot of hard-working people trying to win. We're no different. But the more good people you have, the better your chances of success.

"Not that we're not going to make our mistakes, but I truly believe the harder you work, the luckier you are. We had a good year last season, a first step to hopefully where we want to take this team over the next few years, which is the Stanley Cup."

One of Calgary's big moves this summer was the addition of goalie Mike Smith, whom both Maloney and Treliving know well from their tenures in Arizona.

In his new role, Maloney will serve as assistant to president of hockey operations Brian Burke.