Calgary Flames Sign Jay Bouwmeester to a Five-Year, $33 Million Contract posted by Jeff Ponder

Jay Bouwmeester got his wish on Tuesday; a long-term contract worth a handsome sum.  After having his rights traded last Saturday from Florida to the Flames for defenseman Jordan Leopold and a third round pick, Bouwmeester met with Calgary management all week but finally came to a deal just before the deadline.

“Jay is one of the most complete defenseman in the game,” said Flames General Manager Darryl Sutter, “and we are very pleased to have reached an agreement that will make him an important component of the Calgary Flames success.”

This agreement will help bolster the Flames' defensive corps, but it leaves little with re-signing an important Flames forward.  Mike Cammalleri is coming off a career-year with the Flames, tearing the ice up with 82 points and being a top-center for Jarome Iginla's line all season.  After earning $3.6 million last season, Cammalleri is now expected to remain unsigned. 

The Flames did get a big defenseman to help workhorse Dion Phaneuf in game situations, which will help them in any long playoff run.  The team is expecting Oli Jokinen to step up and enjoy a great season at center to make up for the loss of Cammalleri, so this is a great deal that will help the Flames go deeper in the playoffs in 2010 and on.Continue reading "Calgary Flames Sign Jay Bouwmeester ..."

Western Conference Rolls Along! posted by Joshua Tarkoff

I have a confession to make. I love the Canucks. I really have loved them ever since the worst trade in NHL history when my beloved Panthers gave Luongo away for nothing. I know he is great and that team has a ton of fast guys with a lot of talent. For some reason, I really want them to win. What a job they did last night finishing off the Blues. Hey some big time people picked the Blues to win, since they were so hot coming down the stretch. So,no prediction is even needed for Vancouver. All I know is, I do not know of any team that wants to face the Canucks in the 2nd round.

Onto the series that are still going on...Sharks/Ducks. What a series this is. I think this is the best one we have going (no disrespect to NJ/CAR). It is a bit tough in Florida to be able to watch all of this series, but every second that I have seen has been awesome. Huge hits, I mean huge and every goal has been hard fought. I think this series will come down to who makes the least number of mistakes. That was especially true last night. Both teams are solid and the difference is going to be very small. I have to go with SJ here, they did not win President's trophy for nothing. 7 games, but this will take its toll on whoever ends up winning here.

Detroit is quietly doing its championship thing as usual. They really are an amazing organization. For years I know I have thought they were too old, but somehow they keep on doing it. Hossa this year has been a huge add on and he continues to shine in the playoffs. The series with the Bluejackets will not last much longer, although I must give them a hand for making it into the playoffs this year. It is just unfortunate that they ran into Detroit. 

Flames ink Bouwmeester to multiyear deal

The Calgary Flames have signed star defenseman Jay Bouwmeester to a multiyear agreement.The Flames acquired the rights to Bouwmeester on June 27 from the Florida Panthers in exchange for Jordan Leopold and the 67th pick in the 2009 NHL entry draft.Bouwmeester, a native of Edmonton, completed his sixth season with the Panthers in 2008-09, recording 42 points with 15 goals and 27 assists.The six-foot-four, 213-pounder has 203 points in 471 career NHL games. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NHL

Flames ink Bouwmeester to multiyear deal (AP)

Jay Bouwmeester didn't wait for the start of free agency and signed a multiyear contract with the Calgary Flames on Tuesday. Flames general manager Darryl Sutter traded Jordan Leopold and a draft pick to the Florida Panthers at the NHL draft last weekend to acquire Bouwmeester's rights and get a head start on the competition for the 25-year-old star. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Flames acquire Bouwmeester from Florida

The Calgary Flames have acquired smooth-skating defenseman Jay Bouwmeester just four days before he is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent.The Flames sent defenseman Jordan Leopold and a third-round pick in Saturday's NHL entry draft to the Florida Panthers to complete the deal.The trade gives Calgary a window of exclusivity in negotiating a new contract with Bouwmeester and his agent, Bryon Baltimore. Bouwmeester can become a free agent on Wednesday. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NHL

Flames get free-agent-to-be Bouwmeester (AP)

[read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Sutter hired as new coach of Flames

General manager Darryl Sutter has hired his brother Brent Sutter to be the new coach of the Calgary Flames.The addition of Brent pushes the total number of Sutters in the Flames organization to five.Brother Duane is director of player personnel, brother Ron is a scout and Darryl's son Brett played for the Flames farm team last season.The team has also hired Ryan McGill, Dave Lowry and Jamie McLennan assistant coaches.Mike Keenan was fired as coach of the Flames on May 22. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NHL