Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving jumped at the chance to reunite with the man he worked under for seven years in the desert.
The Flames hired Don Maloney as a pro scout Wednesday, four months after the Arizona Coyotes let him go following nine years of service as GM - seven of them spent working alongside Treliving, who served as his assistant.
Approached by several teams in regards to a similar position, Maloney saw the Flames as the best fit because of his relationships with Treliving and Brian Burke, the club's president of hockey operations.
"My relationship with Brad is as close as anyone in hockey," Maloney said Wednesday, according to Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Sun. "And Brian Burke, he’s been a good friend and he’s one guy who has consistently communicated with me for months after I got let go. ...
"You do appreciate those people who continually reach out and check. I just kept coming back to my relationship with Brad and my feelings about Burkie. I feel like I know this organization well, I like where they’re at as a team, and I feel like I can help."
Maloney said he had no interest in watching games this season without being part of a hockey team in some capacity, and Treliving believes the front-office veteran will be a valuable asset for the club.
"Don has a keen mind and a keen eye," Treliving said of the hire. "I think one of his strong suits is being able to find value in players that are maybe undervalued. His experience, his work ethic, and his talent evaluation, that’s what he brings to us."
Maloney will remain based in Arizona, and will be on the lookout for potential diamonds in the rough.
"You hope you can bring some positive ideas, thoughts, evaluations and find that hidden gem that is maybe either in the minors or struggling at the NHL level and needs a change of scenery," Maloney said.
