Don’t Blame Hrudey, Departing King Says

King forward Pat Conacher, who was traded to the Calgary Flames on Saturday night for minor-leaguer Craig Ferguson, was outraged at what he perceived as attempts by management and the coaches to portray Wayne Gretzky and Kelly Hrudey as selfish players.

“Today [Saturday] they were trying to blame the loss [to San Jose] on [Hrudey], saying he’s a selfish guy,” Conacher said. “Kelly Hrudey is a total team guy. I’m a team guy and he’s more of a team guy than I am.

“I’m not going to say anything bad about [Coach] Larry Robinson. But I don’t have anything good to say about Larry Robinson.”

There has been increasing tension between Robinson and some of the players, particularly among the veterans, a natural product of losing as well as a reaction to his preference for younger players.

Conacher, 36, is the second outspoken veteran to be traded in the last month--Rick Tocchet was the other--and the second close ally of Gretzky to be dealt recently.

He thinks Gretzky will be slowly eased out.

“Yes, I do, but he doesn’t have to be run out of town,” Conacher said.

“Competition is what it is all about. What’s wrong with Wayne Gretzky wanting to compete, wanting a better team? Kelly Hrudey wanting to be No. 1? Kelly Hrudey is the most mentally tough individual I know. That’s why you want a guy like that in the net. Not taking anything away from Byron Dafoe, but Kelly’s been through the wars. I feel all the stuff and things said about Kelly is totally unjust and unfair.

“There’s not two guys that wanted to win more than those guys. Our two best players are also our most unselfish.”

Despite leaving his friends behind, Conacher wanted a trade and was gratified at getting a chance to prolong his career. He joined the Kings the summer before their eventual run to the Stanley Cup finals in 1992-93. This season, he had limited playing time with five goals and seven points in 35 games.

Still, he remains mystified by Robinson.

“I have no idea how the man thinks,” Conacher said. “To this day, I still don’t know him.”